Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), testified on June 3, 2024, before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The hearing sought to delve into the origins of COVID-19 and scrutinize the U.S. government's response to the pandemic.
Dr. Fauci, appearing voluntarily since his retirement in December 2022, addressed the committee's concerns about gain-of-function research funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which he asserted did not constitute such research as the pathogens studied had neither infected humans nor shown transmissibility or significant morbidity. He emphasized the importance of transparency and denied accusations of influencing scientists to dismiss the lab leak theory.
The committee, led by Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), questioned Fauci’s knowledge of certain details and the oversight of grants, with Fauci admitting he did not personally review every grant but trusted the expert review process. He also reiterated that he did not use personal emails for official business and distanced himself from former aide Dr. David Morens' actions concerning EcoHealth Alliance.
Dr. Fauci defended the public health measures taken during the pandemic, including vaccine development and mask mandates, while also acknowledging public confusion due to misinformation. The session highlighted significant partisan divides, with Democrats defending Fauci’s integrity and Republicans challenging his role and decisions during the pandemic.