Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has reiterated his belief that Dr. Anthony Fauci should face imprisonment, stating that he believes Fauci lied to Congress about gain-of-function research connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul made these remarks on MS NOW's "Morning Joe" following a contentious Senate hearing where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.

Paul argued that lying to Congress is a felony offense and that individuals convicted of such crimes should face jail time. He suggested that Fauci's actions, including the alleged destruction of records and false statements, warrant criminal charges. "I think both destroying records and lying to Congress are serious crimes," Paul stated.

The senator indicated that his primary concern is uncovering the truth about gain-of-function research, a controversial method of manipulating viruses for research purposes that could potentially enhance their abilities. Paul previously told Fox News in 2021 that lying about gain-of-function research is a felony punishable by five years in jail.

During the interview, Paul also reflected on Fauci's testimony, noting that Fauci, under the guidance of his legal counsel, likely sought to avoid direct answers. Paul suggested that Fauci's demeanor and public statements, particularly regarding masks, demonstrated an arrogance he described as "wrongheaded" and a belief that the public cannot handle the truth.

"I would say it's wrongheaded. I'm not sure I would use the word 'nefarious.' I would say that he is of the belief that the common man can't handle the truth, and that people like him who are the science, the elite, and the experts should make decisions," Paul said. He further characterized Fauci's statements as "platonic lies" stemming from an "arrogance that shouldn't go unchallenged."

Paul stated that his office has referred the matter to the Department of Justice, though he expressed skepticism about the current administration's willingness to pursue charges. He contrasted the current situation with instances where individuals from the Trump administration were, in his view, swiftly prosecuted for similar offenses. Paul asserted that evidence from Fauci's private emails contradicts his public statements, suggesting a pattern of deception.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Fauci and Paul's office for further comment on the matter.