Bravo host Andy Cohen accused Senate Republicans of waging a "war on science" during a recent "Watch What Happens Live!" broadcast, criticizing their prolonged questioning of Dr. Anthony Fauci concerning the federal government's COVID-19 pandemic response. Cohen characterized the senators' inquiries as an attempt to hold Fauci accountable for perceived offenses that he described as "imaginary crimes."
During a Senate hearing that lasted over three hours, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times, declining to answer questions on topics including the origins of COVID-19, federally funded research, lockdown policies, vaccine guidance, and entries from his pandemic-era diary.
Cohen presented Fauci with his "Mazel of the Day" award, praising his extensive public service and suggesting that political figures might harbor envy towards doctors and scientists for their ability to resolve issues. He specifically pointed to Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who had demanded Fauci apologize to individuals impacted by pandemic-era restrictions and condemned Fauci's repeated refusals to answer questions.
Moreno's office, through communications director Reagan McCarthy, defended the senator's approach. McCarthy questioned the appropriateness of school closures and restrictions that affected small business owners, stating that Senator Moreno represented Americans who felt "chastised for standing up to pandemic tyranny." She added that a government bureaucrat who "unilaterally shut down the country" should be prepared for strong language.
Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., challenged Fauci's use of the Fifth Amendment, suggesting a preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden might negate its applicability. Paul indicated that the committee would consider a vote on holding Fauci in contempt.
Meanwhile, the committee's ranking Democrat, Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, criticized Paul's management of the hearing, alleging that Republicans were aiming for predetermined outcomes. Cohen also highlighted Fauci's historical contributions to combating HIV/AIDS and developing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), an initiative credited with saving millions of lives and for which Fauci is considered a principal architect.
Cohen's commentary on the hearing also drew some criticism on social media, with some users accusing him of bias in favor of pharmaceutical companies due to his past support for COVID-19 vaccines.