The most fiery moments from Fauci's Senate hearing
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Anthony Fauci testifies before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Photo: Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images.
Dr. Anthony Fauci faced dozens of questions and theatrics Wednesday before the Senate's Homeland Security Committee.
Why it matters: Fauci, who led the nation's infectious disease response during the COVID pandemic, has remained a polarizing political figure, and his handling of the pandemic faces renewed scrutiny after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) released more than 1,000 pages of the doctor's personal diary this week.
- Many senators' questions Wednesday cited the diary, which covers COVID's origins, Fauci's growing public profile and his handling of the fast-moving crisis — topics he's addressed in previous congressional hearings.
Reality check: Fauci said Wednesday he wanted to use the Fifth Amendment because he could face trouble for making any statements in the hearing that could lead to a new investigation.
- A 2025 pardon from President Biden covers any conduct prior to that time period, but the use of the Fifth Amendment could potentially see Fauci held in contempt of court and prosecuted on that basis.
- Paul said the committee will vote on a contempt resolution against Fauci next week.
The hearing was full of head-turning moments. Watch some of them below.
Fauci pleads the Fifth Amendment
Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment in his opening statement during the Wednesday morning hearing.
- He ended up invoking the right more than 50 times.
- He also accused Paul of having an "unhinged obsession with calling for my prosecution."
Fauci attorney ejected
Paul had Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, thrown out from the hearing after a chaotic exchange.
- The senator warned the attorney: "You are not recognized, you're not recognized. If you are unruly, you will be removed from the proceeding."
Schertler continued to speak, which Paul met with another warning: "This testimony is from Anthony Fauci. This is not a game with his lawyers."
- After the attorney continued to speak, Paul called for security to take him out.
Hawley: "What kind of tie are you wearing?"
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) kicked off his line of questions with basic asks to Fauci — including what day of the week it was and what kind of tie he was wearing.
- Fauci answered with the Fifth Amendment.
Hawley brings out Fauci's InStyle magazine cover
Hawley doubled down on criticisms of Fauci, accusing the infectious disease expert of attempting to get rich during the pandemic.
- He also pointed to Fauci's appearance on the cover of InStyle Magazine.
Moreno involves the audience
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) accused Fauci of hiring Schertler because he was in "deep shit."
- "Do you feel like you're in deep shit?"
Moreno also asked the people in the audience behind Fauci if they thought six-foot social distancing was "total crap," or if they thought the mask policy was "outrageous."
- The senator then asked Fauci to turn and face the crowd. He didn't, and instead pleaded the Fifth Amendment.
Moreno: "Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Moreno asked Fauci about his advice on COVID-era policies, retelling a story of a woman who was reportedly tased and arrested at a football game for not wearing a mask.
- "When that story broke, I said to myself, I cannot stand idly on the side and watch this happen," Moreno said.
- He added, "Here I am, sitting in front of you six years later saying, who the fuck do you think you were for doing that? It is a total disgrace what you did to this country."
Paul announces the contempt vote
Paul attempted to make Fauci answer more questions toward the end of the hearing. But Fauci didn't budge.
- The Kentucky senator then revealed a contempt vote for next week.
Go deeper: Trump admin revives COVID origins debate with indictment
