Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has been issued an investigative subpoena by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The subpoena is part of a state investigation into allegations that Fauci "personally profit[ed] off" of federal guidance issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted Florida's residents and businesses.
Uthmeier announced the subpoena Wednesday, stating it seeks a wide range of documents concerning Fauci's knowledge, doubts about vaccine safety and efficacy, and "self-dealing." The investigation is particularly focused on potential personal financial gains through book deals and awards, which Uthmeier suggested could involve deceptive trade practices, fraud, or public nuisance under Florida law.
The inquiry gained momentum following Fauci's recent testimony before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where he invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times. This action, coupled with references to a federal pardon from former President Joe Biden, prompted Uthmeier and Sen. Tommy Tuberville to pledge a state-level investigation.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Wednesday he has issued an investigative subpoena against former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Director Anthony Fauci.
Uthmeier stated that information about Fauci's alleged self-dealing emerged from hundreds of pages of diary entries made on a federal server, which were released by Sen. Rand Paul. One specific award mentioned by Uthmeier is the Dan David Prize from Tel Aviv University, from which Fauci reportedly received approximately $900,000. Uthmeier questioned the legality of a bureaucrat privately questioning directives while simultaneously profiting from them.
The subpoena requests details on awards Fauci applied for, considered, or received from any organization related to the pandemic. It also seeks information on professional opportunities offered to or considered by Fauci, as well as communications with Florida businesses, media, and communities regarding COVID-19 vaccination sites, social distancing measures, mask mandates, and school closures.
Other state attorneys general have expressed support for Florida's investigation. West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey called Fauci's refusal to answer questions "concerning" and stated the public deserves to know if they were misled. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill added that the public has "a million questions" about the pandemic's origins and government responses, alleging Fauci had lied and that the truth would eventually surface.
Fauci's legal counsel was contacted for comment.