Fauci's Actions: Lawful Or Criminal?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been accused of breaking the law during his tenure. In June 2024, a congressional subcommittee report found that Fauci's policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social distancing and masking, were not backed by sufficient scientific data. The report also criticised Fauci's dismissal of the lab-leak theory regarding the origins of the virus. Additionally, there are allegations that Fauci's senior staff attempted to evade transparency laws and shield information from public scrutiny. As a result, investigations are underway to determine the extent of any wrongdoing and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Did Fauci's security detail break the law?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been at the center of public attention and scrutiny for his role in the COVID-19 pandemic response in the United States. As a result, he has received criticism and even death threats, which have led to concerns about his safety and the need for a security detail.

Up until at least September 2024, Dr. Fauci had a publicly funded chauffeur and U.S. Marshals security detail, even after retiring from his position at NIAID in December 2022. The $15 million cost of this security detail was covered by taxpayers and included salaries and benefits for deputies and administrative personnel, transportation costs, and law enforcement equipment.

While some may question the necessity and cost of such extensive security measures, it is important to consider the context of the threats made against Dr. Fauci. During his testimony before Congress, he revealed that he had received "credible death threats," which had resulted in the arrests of two individuals. These threats were not only directed at him but also at his wife and three daughters, causing them to be under protective services.

In addition to the personal threats, there was also widespread anger and frustration toward Dr. Fauci for his role in implementing COVID-19 restrictions, such as social distancing, school closures, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements. Some Americans felt that their liberties were infringed upon, and there were protests and calls for his firing. As a result, Dr. Fauci became a polarizing figure, with some people directing their anger and frustration toward him specifically.

While the security detail for Dr. Fauci may have been necessary to ensure his safety and that of his family, it is unclear how the decision for such extensive and prolonged protection was made and whether it was proportionate to the level of threat. The arrangement also raises questions about the use of taxpayer money and whether there could have been a more balanced approach to addressing the security concerns while also being mindful of the public's funds.

In conclusion, while the security detail for Dr. Fauci may have been warranted due to the credible threats against him and his family, the specifics of the arrangement, including its cost and duration, raise questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds and the balance between ensuring an individual's safety and the broader public interest.

Did Fauci's staff break transparency laws?

Dr. Anthony Fauci's senior advisor, Dr. David Morens, and his chief of staff have been accused of attempting to evade transparency laws and shield information from public scrutiny.

According to the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Fauci's staff were found to be discussing breaking federal law, deleting official records, and sharing non-public information about NIH grant processes with EcoHealth Alliance Inc. (EcoHealth) President, Dr. Peter Daszak.

The Subcommittee is investigating this misconduct and will hold Dr. Fauci accountable for any involvement.

Dr. Fauci himself has come under scrutiny for his handling of the pandemic, particularly in relation to the origins of the virus and his role in promoting the "lab leak" theory.

Did Fauci's staff discuss breaking federal law?

During a hearing with Dr. Fauci, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) stated that Fauci's senior advisor and chief of staff likely attempted to break federal law. The subcommittee is investigating this misconduct and will hold Dr. Fauci accountable for any involvement.

In his opening statement, Chairman Wenstrup noted that Fauci's office chose to "flout the law" and that there is evidence of Fauci's staff discussing breaking federal law, deleting official records, and sharing private government information with grant recipients.

In addition, Dr. Fauci's senior advisor, Dr. David Morens, is accused of deliberately obstructing the subcommittee's investigation, likely lying to Congress, unlawfully deleting federal COVID-19 records, and sharing nonpublic information about NIH grant processes with EcoHealth President Dr. Peter Daszak.

Did Fauci's staff delete official records?

In May 2024, Dr. David Morens, a former aide to Dr. Anthony Fauci, testified before the House Oversight Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Morens was the former senior adviser to Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman, Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), explained that Fauci's senior advisor and chief of staff likely attempted to break federal law. The committee had evidence that Morens obstructed the House investigation into the origin of COVID-19, deleted related federal records, and shared non-public information about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, a New York-based nonprofit.

In his testimony, Morens admitted to deleting a lot of emails, saying, "I deleted a lot of emails. I do it every day." However, he claimed that he was unaware that emails were considered federal records and that using a personal email account for work purposes violated the NIH's record retention policy. Morens apologized for his actions, saying, "I shouldn't have done that. That's wrong."

Despite Morens' claims of ignorance, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) argued that Morens' actions were intentional and that Fauci could be indicted for ordering the destruction of records. Paul stated, "If [Anthony] Fauci ordered you to destroy these records, I think he could be indicted." Paul further emphasized that evading the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is not a felony, but destroying government records during a federal investigation is.

The subcommittee's majority staff memo also suggested that Fauci participated "in a conspiracy amongst the highest levels" of the agency to "hide" and potentially "destroy official records regarding the origins of COVID-19."

Did Fauci's staff share private government information?

During his testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in June 2024, Dr. Anthony Fauci faced scrutiny for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The subcommittee released a report detailing the findings of its two-year investigation into the pandemic, which concluded that Fauci's senior advisor, Dr. David Morens, and his chief of staff had likely attempted to break federal law.

The report revealed that Fauci's staff had "discussed breaking federal law, deleting official records, and sharing private government information with grant recipients." Specifically, it was alleged that Morens had unlawfully deleted federal COVID-19 records and shared nonpublic information about NIH grant processes with EcoHealth Alliance Inc. (EcoHealth) President Dr. Peter Daszak. EcoHealth is a nonprofit organization that received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on coronaviruses in bats.

The subcommittee's investigation uncovered emails from Fauci's staff discussing the deletion of records and the sharing of nonpublic information. In one email, a staff member wrote, "I have cleaned out and deleted all the emails we discussed," while another email referenced "the need to cover up the illegal act of deleting emails." Additionally, the report found that Fauci's office had "chosen to flout the law and bragged about it."

In response to these allegations, the subcommittee has launched a thorough investigation into the misconduct and will hold Fauci accountable for any involvement. Fauci has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that he was not aware of any attempts by his staff to break the law. He has also defended Morens, stating that he has "full confidence" in him and that the allegations are "nonsense."

The sharing of private government information is a serious breach of public trust and could have significant implications for national security. It remains to be seen what consequences Fauci and his staff will face if the allegations are substantiated.

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