Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) challenged Dr. Anthony Fauci during a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, questioning the former federal official’s earnings, media appearances, and conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the exchange, Hawley pressed Fauci regarding his net worth, federal cash bonuses, and retirement payout.
“Your net worth now is north of $12 million,” Hawley said. “You got over a million dollars in cash awards during COVID, during a 12-month, 24-month span during COVID. A million bucks you knocked down in cash money using federal resources.”
Hawley cited a pension payout exceeding $400,000 in its first year and contrasted Fauci’s financial standing with the pandemic’s toll, stating, “A million people dead, you’re getting rich.” He then asked Fauci if his tenure during the pandemic amounted to a “multi-year course of self-dealing.”
Fauci declined to address the allegation, invoking his constitutional protection.
“On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution,” Fauci said.
Hawley responded by stating that “silence is admission.” He criticized Fauci for choosing to participate in media profiles while refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions under oath.
“You could sit for InStyle Magazine, but you can’t answer questions for the American people,” Hawley said. “You could sit for InStyle Magazine, but you’re here taking the fifth.”
Hawley concluded his questioning by stating that Fauci had prioritized personal visibility over public service and damaged the credibility of the scientific community.
“You became a narcissist and a megalomaniac and a liar, and you’ve lied to the American people and you’ve lied to this body, and you’ve disgraced your profession by doing it,” Hawley said. “You’ve done more to harm science than anybody in my lifetime, and I hope you’ll go home and write that in your diary.”
Fauci did not provide further response during the exchange.
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