Fauci opens legal defense fund as US probes expand
What's new: The fund comes after Rand Paul sought a DOJ prosecution and three state attorneys general opened separate inquiries.
Anthony Fauci’s lawyers have created a legal defense fund as federal and state investigations tied to his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to grow. The move follows a push by Sen. Rand Paul for the Justice Department to prosecute Fauci after the former infectious-disease official refused to answer questions at a July congressional hearing, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Three state attorneys general have also opened probes. Fauci, 85, has denied wrongdoing. Former President Joe Biden issued him a pre-emptive pardon in January 2025, but his lawyers say the mounting inquiries could still lead to long and costly legal fights.