Fauci invoked 5th Amendment 111 times during hearing: Fox analysis

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., moreover, has indicated that his panel will vote on holding Fauci in contempt.

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 29, 2026 2:01pm

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), invoked the 5th Amendment a total of 111 times on Wednesday, during testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

Fox News tabulated the number of times that Fauci invoked his right not to incriminate himself during the multi-hour hearing.

While Fauci repeatedly cited the 5th Amendment in refusing to answer questions, many lawmakers questioned whether President Joe Biden's sweeping pardon of Fauci had voided his right to refuse to testify.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., for instance, referenced the Brown vs. Walker Supreme Court case of 1896, suggesting it was precedent that would have voided Fauci's 5th Amendment claims.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., moreover, has indicated that his panel will vote on holding Fauci in contempt.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.