US Republicans seek criminal charges against ex-COVID advisor Fauci

US Republicans are pushing to prosecute former White House COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci for contempt of Congress. The Republican-controlled Senate Homeland Security Committee voted to send a criminal referral to the Justice Department against the 85-year-old immunologist.

Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to answer questions from senators about pandemic policies. Republicans interpret his silence as contempt for Congress.

Fauci, who served as chief medical advisor to former President Joe Biden and directed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades, became a central figure in the US fight against COVID-19. However, he is viewed by Republicans as a symbol of the pandemic and its perceived failures. His recommendations on mask-wearing and vaccinations made him a target for criticism within the right-wing political sphere.