Three state attorneys general issue subpoena to Dr. Anthony Fauci over Covid guidance

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday that his office, together with the attorneys general of West Virginia and Louisiana, has issued an investigative subpoena to Dr. Anthony Fauci. The subpoena seeks documents covering awards, professional opportunities, grants, book deals and other financial incentives that the states allege may be linked to Fauci’s Covid-19 recommendations and that could have affected Florida businesses and consumers.

Uthmeier said the request targets records from Jan. 3, 2020, through Aug. 31 and includes information on vaccine efficacy, boosters, natural immunity, potential adverse events and communications with vaccine manufacturers. He cited journal entries released by Sen. Rand Paul that detail Fauci’s daily accounts during the pandemic, describing them as evidence of possible self-dealing.

"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 said.

West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey called Fauci’s refusal to answer Senate committee questions "concerning" and expressed 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.

The subpoena follows a recent Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing in which Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment when questioned by Republican members. The committee is expected to vote on a contempt resolution, which would be forwarded to the Justice Department for consideration.

Fauci’s lawyer, David Schertler, has not responded to requests for comment. Fauci has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to his pandemic response.