Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), could soon be subpoenaed for deposition as the GOP ramps up its investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and gain-of-function research funding. The investigation is being spearheaded by Senator Rand Paul, who now chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Subpoenas Issued to 14 Agencies
Senator Paul announced that subpoenas have been sent to 14 federal agencies from the Biden administration, seeking internal documents, communications, and research details linked to the funding of controversial gain-of-function experiments. These subpoenas reflect the GOP’s determination to expose potential mishandling or cover-ups related to the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“In the wake of Anthony Fauci’s preemptive pardon under Biden, there are still unanswered questions that demand accountability,” Paul said. “We will find out exactly what U.S. tax dollars funded, and who was responsible.”
Focus on Gain-of-Function Research
At the heart of the investigation is the question of whether U.S. funds, through NIAID or the NIH, were used to support gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology—the lab some experts and lawmakers believe may have played a role in the pandemic’s origin.
Fauci has repeatedly denied that the NIH directly funded gain-of-function experiments, stating during previous congressional hearings that the research did not meet the technical definition of gain-of-function as described by U.S. guidelines. However, Paul and other Republicans argue that evidence suggests otherwise.
“Fauci misled the public about the nature of research conducted at Wuhan,” Paul asserted. “We know now that some of the research was inherently dangerous and should never have been funded.”
Fauci’s Potential Deposition
With the subpoenas issued, a deposition of Fauci appears increasingly likely. GOP leaders view his testimony as essential for uncovering whether federal agencies knowingly downplayed concerns over the lab-leak theory and whether critical decisions were made to protect individuals and institutions rather than public health.
Why This Matters
The investigation represents a broader effort to hold federal agencies accountable for decisions made during the early months of the pandemic, particularly those under Fauci’s leadership. It also seeks to determine if gain-of-function research restrictions were violated and whether the public was misled about the pandemic’s true origins.
Past Clashes Between Paul and Fauci
This isn’t the first time Senator Paul and Dr. Fauci have clashed. In previous hearings, the two engaged in heated exchanges, with Paul accusing Fauci of “playing semantics” over the NIH’s funding practices and Fauci accusing Paul of spreading “misinformation.” Their public confrontations have made the potential deposition one of the most highly anticipated moments in the investigation.
Potential Outcomes
Depending on what is uncovered, the investigation could result in legislative reforms aimed at restricting gain-of-function research or stronger oversight of federal research funding. It could also provide the foundation for legal consequences if evidence of misconduct or negligence is uncovered.
The stakes are high, and Republicans remain determined to expose any wrongdoing. As Senator Paul put it, “This isn’t just about science—it’s about trust and the accountability our government owes its citizens.”