Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, used explicit language to criticize Dr. Anthony Fauci during a congressional hearing, accusing the former chief medical advisor of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and its policies. The exchange occurred during a hearing where Fauci was subpoenaed as part of an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and the federal government's response.
Moreno directly addressed Fauci, stating, "Here I am sitting in front of you six years later saying, who the f--k do you think you were for doing that? It is a total disgrace what you did to this country." The senator argued that the government's COVID-19 guidance, including mask mandates, social distancing, and school closures, had harmed Americans. He recounted the story of an Ohio mother who was arrested for not wearing a mask outdoors.
Moreno claimed that Fauci was more interested in interacting with celebrities than in serving the American public, referencing a Zoom call Fauci participated in with public figures. He asked Fauci if he would apologize to the American people for his actions, to which Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer more than 100 questions throughout the hearing.
Prior to Moreno's remarks, he asked audience members to stand if they had faced negative consequences for questioning COVID-19 guidelines. This prompted individuals seated behind Fauci to stand, though Fauci declined to turn around and face them.
The senator's strong remarks drew praise from some conservative commentators and former Trump administration officials on social media.
Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, provided a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, "We have no comment on anything Senator Moreno had to say other than he is completely wrong."
Fauci, who served as chief medical advisor under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, was expected to be questioned about his handling of the pandemic.