Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, on Thursday intensified his criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci, characterizing the former top health official as Democrats' "hero" following Fauci's refusal to answer questions during a Senate hearing.

During an appearance on "Hannity," Moreno asserted that Fauci's pandemic policies were motivated by a desire for control rather than public health concerns. "This is about controlling American people," Moreno stated. "He treated us like lab rats."

Moreno suggested that Fauci's approach reflected what he perceives as the ultimate goals of the Democratic party. "You want to give power to Democrats, socialists and communists in this country? They will take away your freedoms, they will take away your liberties, they'll control you, they'll replace you," he said. "They want to systematically destroy this country, and that's why Fauci is their hero. He got to do what they only fantasize about, which is total and complete control of the American people."

The exchange between Moreno and Fauci occurred during a Wednesday hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Fauci, on the advice of his counsel, invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions from committee members.

Moreno, who said Fauci's influence over COVID-19 policies inspired his Senate run, expressed frustration directly to Fauci during the hearing. "Here I am sitting in front of you six years later saying, 'Who the f--- do you think you were for doing that? It is a total disgrace what you did to this country,'" Moreno recounted.

Moreno maintained Thursday that Fauci's influence had long-term negative consequences on children's health and small businesses. "The reality is this guy damaged a lot of things in this country," he said.

The senator also referenced over 1,000 pages of internal notes, released by Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., which reportedly suggest Fauci held private views on COVID-19 that differed from some of his public statements. "This is one of the most depraved bureaucrats," Moreno commented, adding that he believes Fauci should face prosecution.

While Fauci received a pardon from former President Joe Biden, Moreno noted that state-level investigations are still possible. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that his office would open an investigation following Fauci's invocation of the Fifth Amendment. "We know what he was actually thinking," Moreno said. "We know he lied to the American people. State attorneys general, like the one in Florida—I hope the one in Ohio does the same thing. We got to pursue this guy."

Moreno stated that the most troubling moment of the hearing was when Fauci declined to apologize to individuals who claimed to be harmed by or in disagreement with pandemic policies. "He wouldn't even look at them," Moreno said. "That's how despicable this guy is."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Fauci's attorney for comment.