In an interview with Breitbart News Daily, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky revealed that he has formally referred Dr. Anthony Fauci to the Department of Justice for allegedly lying to Congress.
Initially, in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, Paul perceived Fauci as a “disinterested public health figure.” However, after subsequent interactions, the Senator’s view shifted significantly. He came to believe that Fauci was, in fact, a “dishonest” individual. [Source]
The foundation for these allegations? Emails. More specifically, an email from early 2020 in which Fauci summarized a phone call made at the start of the pandemic.
Paul referenced this in his interview with Breitbart, stating, “This was when investigations into the pandemic were just starting. In that email, he essentially says, ‘Yes, we’re suspicious that this might be a manipulated virus since it originated from a lab in Wuhan, known for its gain-of-function research,’ and he details this research.”
The Senator did not mince words, claiming that the email “directly contradicts everything he told me in the committee hearing.” He added, “That’s why we’ve referred him again this week to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution for lying to Congress.”
Paul then presented additional evidence against Fauci, stating, “Virologists from around the world have examined the genetic sequence of COVID-19 and have identified some notably unusual characteristics that suggest it might have been manipulated in a lab. A group of these virologists, who have been known supporters of gain-of-function research — creating viruses that don’t naturally exist for experimental purposes — have all indicated to him that it appears manipulated.”
“Furthermore, given that we know gain-of-function research occurs in Wuhan, and his detailing of such research, it raises suspicions,” the Senator asserted, insinuating Fauci’s agreement with the virologists in the email.
This is not the first time Paul has confronted Fauci. In November 2021, during the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he questioned Fauci about the EcoHealth Alliance’s involvement in gain-of-function research in Wuhan. [Source]
During a particularly heated moment in the committee meeting, Paul charged Fauci with deceiving the public, saying, “Even the NIH now acknowledges that EcoHealth Alliance conducted experiments in Wuhan that resulted in viruses not naturally found, with increased lethality. The evidence is clear; the NIH funded gain-of-function research in Wuhan, contrary to your denials.”
Fauci, defending his stance, described “gain-of-function” as a “nebulous term” and stressed that numerous external entities have tried to provide a more concrete definition over the years.
The Senator further challenged the shifting definitions of “gain of function” research, suggesting that this ambiguity was a tactical decision by the NIH to protect Fauci.
Paul’s concluding remarks during the committee were poignant: “Until you acknowledge responsibility, we’re not going to make any headway in preventing another potential lab leak from such risky experiments.”
It remains to be seen whether the DOJ will pursue charges against Fauci.