Fauci ordered NIH employees to destroy records despite telling Congress he never deleted documents

Sen. Rand Paul is calling for Dr. Anthony Fauci to reappear before Congress after emails were uncovered that contradict his testimony to lawmakers. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in the Paul-Fauci dispute:

The contradictory evidence

Committee obtains emails showing record destruction orders:

• Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee obtained documents showing that Dr. Fauci, former director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during height of COVID-19 pandemic, directed NIH employees to destroy records
• “These documents suggest your direct involvement in efforts to conceal information related to the Committee’s investigation and appear to contradict your previous testimony before Congress,” Paul, Kentucky Republican, said in letter Tuesday to Dr. Fauci
• Letter is latest salvo in vicious five-year battle between Paul and Dr. Fauci over government’s handling of pandemic
• Committee wants Dr. Fauci to appear before Congress by end of year, with dates provided in October, November and December

The Congressional testimony contradiction

Fauci denied deleting records under oath:

• During his June 2024 testimony before House Select Subcommittee on Coronavirus Pandemic, Dr. Fauci was asked if he had ever deleted records, and he responded, “No”
• He was similarly asked if he had ever attempted to obstruct Freedom of Information Act or release of public documents, and if he had deleted emails or records related to Wuhan lab or origins of virus
• Dr. Fauci again responded “no” to those questions
• Letter notes these denials contradict newly obtained email evidence

The specific email evidence

Documents show direct orders to delete correspondence:

• In email obtained by committee dated Feb. 2, 2020, Dr. Fauci directed NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins to “please delete this e-mail after you read it”
• Another email from July 20, 2020, to NIH employee from Dr. Fauci says, “I do not want to engage any more with this nonsense. And so, please delete this e-mail after you read it”
• Emails show pattern of directing subordinates to destroy official correspondence
• Evidence spans early pandemic period when key decisions were being made

The comprehensive document request

Paul demands extensive records from Fauci:

• Paul requested list of all email addresses, phone numbers and messaging applications Dr. Fauci used between Jan. 1, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2023
• Also wants emails, attachments, records of calls and voicemails sent or received on government-issued or personal devices
• Request includes encrypted or third-party messaging applications, relating to whole slew of people, places or departments relating to COVID-19
• Broad scope suggests investigation into multiple aspects of pandemic response

The perjury allegations

Paul calls for criminal charges against Fauci:

• Paul, chairman of Homeland Security Committee, has called on Justice Department to charge Dr. Fauci with lying to Congress
• “I do believe Anthony Fauci committed a felony by lying to Congress,” Paul said in interview in July
• “You have to charge [Dr. Fauci] with a felony, take him to court and then the court will decide whether or not the pardon is upheld”
• Allegations center on contradictions between testimony and documented actions

The preemptive pardon protection

Biden pardon could shield Fauci from consequences:

• Dr. Fauci was given preemptive pardon by President Biden, which could shield him from any consequences if he’s found guilty of lying about anything related to pandemic
• Pardon specifically covers pandemic-related matters
• Legal protection could complicate any potential prosecution efforts
• Washington Times has reached out to Dr. Fauci for comment

Read more:

• Emails show Fauci ordered documents destroyed, lied to Congress: Rand Paul