Right-Wing Attorneys General Launch Politically Motivated Subpoena Against Dr. Anthony Fauci Over Covid Guidance
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Attorneys general from Florida, West Virginia, and Louisiana have issued a subpoena to Dr. Anthony Fauci, seeking documents on financial matters related to his pandemic guidance—a move widely seen as a partisan attack on science and public health leadership.
In a fresh escalation of right-wing attacks on science and public health, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday that his office, alongside the attorneys general of West Virginia and Louisiana, has issued a sweeping investigative subpoena targeting Dr. Anthony Fauci. The subpoena demands documents on awards, professional opportunities, grants, book deals, and other financial incentives—an apparent attempt to smear Fauci’s reputation and undermine trust in pandemic guidance that protected millions.
The request, covering records from January 3, 2020, through August 31, seeks information on vaccine efficacy, boosters, natural immunity, potential adverse events, and communications with vaccine manufacturers. Uthmeier cited journal entries released by far-right Senator Rand Paul, using them as supposed evidence of 'self-dealing,' despite the lack of any credible proof.
"Government officials have a certain level of immunity in their official capacities, but if Fauci personally profited off of the ‘guidance’ he issued, that very well could have broken Florida law," Uthmeier claimed, echoing baseless conspiracy theories that have circulated in conservative circles.
West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey, parroting Republican talking points, called Fauci’s refusal to engage with hostile Senate committee questioning "concerning" and voiced support for the subpoena.
"The American people deserve to know if they or their elected leaders were misled or manipulated. Both my Office and I support Attorney General Uthmeier’s efforts to uncover the truth," McCuskey said, continuing the pattern of undermining public health experts.
This subpoena follows a recent Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where Fauci, facing aggressive Republican questioning, invoked the Fifth Amendment—a move often necessary when facing politically charged investigations. The committee is expected to vote on a contempt resolution, which would be forwarded to the Justice Department.
Fauci’s lawyer, David Schertler, has not responded to requests for comment. Fauci has consistently denied any wrongdoing, standing by his science-based pandemic response in the face of relentless partisan attacks.