Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. infectious disease expert, invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing on COVID-19 policies, declining to answer questions. The hearing reignited the long-running debate over the origins of the coronavirus but produced little new information.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno sharply criticized Fauci, calling him the Democrats' "hero" and saying he "treated us like lab rats" over pandemic policies. The exchange underscored a years-long partisan divide on the issue, which has been fueled by misleading claims from the White House, according to reports.
Fauci's appearance came as lawmakers continue to examine the government's response to the pandemic and the origins of the virus. The hearing highlighted deep disagreements between the two parties, with Republicans pressing for answers and Democrats defending Fauci's record. No significant revelations emerged from the session.