Lawyers for Dr. Anthony Fauci have established a legal defense fund to support him as he confronts multiple federal and state investigations and accusations of misleading the public regarding the origins of COVID-19.
According to the fund's website, "The Anthony S. Fauci M.D. Legal Defense Fund was established to help cover the legal representation and associated administrative costs for Dr. Fauci." It adds that contributions "directly support these defense efforts and ensure comprehensive legal support during ongoing inquiries and proceedings."
Fauci, who retired in 2022 after a nearly 40-year tenure leading the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has denied all accusations against him. His legal team stated that any remaining funds after all investigations conclude will be donated to charity.
"Dr. Fauci has not done anything wrong, and we are prepared to fight back against this shameful harassment of an honorable man who dedicated his career to saving lives," said David Schertler, a lawyer for Fauci, in a statement to Reuters. Schertler characterized the legal actions against Fauci as "unfounded and frivolous."
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has been a vocal critic, calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to prosecute Fauci. Paul has highlighted Fauci's alleged role in deleting emails and hiding documents related to the COVID-19 origins investigation. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Paul, voted to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress following a hearing where he invoked the Fifth Amendment numerous times.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that her office will investigate whether Fauci "personally profited off the COVID 'guidance' he issued" during the pandemic. Her office has issued a subpoena to the 85-year-old former official. Louisiana and West Virginia are reportedly supporting Florida's investigative efforts.
Recently, David Morens, a former adviser to Fauci, pleaded guilty to attempting to conceal pandemic-related documents by evading public records laws. This development occurred as Fauci faces scrutiny.
During his time advising seven presidents and leading the nation's response to the pandemic, Fauci advocated for measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, vaccination, and lockdowns. He was the highest-paid federal employee prior to his retirement, earning nearly $500,000 annually, with his federal pension in retirement reportedly rivaling a presidential salary. In 2021, Fauci and his wife reported a combined net worth of $12.6 million.