Anthony Fauci declines to answer COVID origins questions at Senate hearing

The former head of the U.S. public‑health apparatus warned that Republican members of Congress could attempt to “trip him up” and leverage his congressional testimony as the basis for a perjury prosecution. In an interview following his appearance before a House oversight panel, the ex‑administrator said the prospect of being caught in a politically driven legal trap weighed heavily on him as he answered questions about the federal pandemic response.

His remarks come amid a broader partisan push to scrutinize the actions of the health agency during the COVID‑19 crisis, with several committees launching investigations into vaccine distribution, data reporting and policy decisions. While the official declined to name specific legislators, he emphasized that the threat of criminal charges could deter candid testimony and complicate the oversight process. The statement underscores the heightened tension between former public‑health leaders and lawmakers seeking accountability for the pandemic’s management.