Dr. Anthony Fauci is facing renewed scrutiny as attorneys general from 17 states move forward with an investigation into his role in the U.S. COVID-19 response. The state-led effort continues despite former President Joe Biden granting Fauci a broad pardon that shields him from federal prosecution.
Led by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, the coalition has sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for any evidence uncovered in federal investigations. They argue that Biden’s pardon does not apply to state-level prosecutions and that Fauci should still be held accountable if violations of state laws are found.
The investigation follows the release of a December 2024 congressional report detailing Fauci’s handling of the pandemic. The report claims he misrepresented the role of the National Institutes of Health in funding virus research in Wuhan and actively worked to discredit the lab leak theory.
Lawmakers had previously called for criminal charges against Fauci over his testimony regarding the funding of gain-of-function research. However, Biden intervened by issuing a sweeping pardon before leaving office, calling Fauci a “dedicated public servant” who helped save lives.
Wilson and the other attorneys general argue that the pardon was designed to protect Fauci from accountability. They are requesting Congress provide any documents that could assist in their probe. “A pardon by former President Biden does not extend to preclude state-level investigations or legal proceedings,” their letter stated.
The coalition includes attorneys general from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and multiple other states. They have vowed to pursue legal action if evidence suggests Fauci’s actions violated any state laws.
