Fauci declines to answer questions at Senate hearing

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment on Wednesday and declined to answer questions from senators during a Republicanled hearing on his role in the COVID19 pandemic. The hearing, led by Sen. Rand Paul, focused on accusations that Fauci misled lawmakers about the pandemic and the origins of the virus. Fauci said he was following legal advice and criticized what he described as Paul's push for prosecution. The dispute adds to years of political conflict over the U.S. response to COVID19. Republicans argued Fauci’s earlier pardon would not cover the hearing, while Democrats said the proceeding risked turning one official into a scapegoat for a broader public health crisis.