Tennessee – Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci after the former federal health official repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing examining his role in the government’s COVID-19 response.

“This is disgraceful. Dr. Fauci is a coward who lied to Americans and has refused to take even a shred of accountability,” Blackburn wrote on X. “Americans deserve answers.”

Blackburn’s comments came after Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29, where he declined to answer questions from lawmakers investigating pandemic-era decisions, COVID-19 origins, and federal research policies, state officials said.

During the hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times, refusing to answer questions from Republican senators. Reports from the hearing said Fauci argued that he was following the advice of his legal counsel because he believed some questions could expose him to legal risk, according to The Guardian.

Fauci, who served for decades as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and became one of the most recognizable figures during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced questioning from lawmakers over controversial issues including pandemic policies, research funding, and statements he previously made to Congress, AP News reported.

The hearing was led by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has been one of Fauci’s most outspoken critics. Paul questioned Fauci about allegations involving government-funded research, pandemic decision-making, and whether Fauci provided accurate information during previous congressional appearances.

Republican lawmakers criticized Fauci’s decision to remain silent, arguing that Americans deserved answers about policies that affected schools, businesses, and daily life during the pandemic.

Following the hearing, Blackburn joined other Republican lawmakers in condemning Fauci’s refusal to answer questions.

Critics of Fauci pointed to the hearing as evidence that he was avoiding accountability, while Fauci and his supporters argued that invoking constitutional protections was a legal decision rather than an admission of wrongdoing.

Fauci defended his decision during the hearing, saying he believed Sen. Paul was attempting to get him to make statements that could later be used against him. He accused Paul of pursuing a personal campaign against him and argued that the hearing was focused on criminalizing him rather than seeking information.

The hearing also renewed debate over Fauci’s handling of the pandemic response, including disputes over school closures, public health guidance, and the origins of COVID-19. Republicans have continued to argue that Fauci should face additional scrutiny, while Democrats have accused critics of using the hearing for political purposes.

Several Republican lawmakers have called for possible contempt proceedings against Fauci after his refusal to answer questions. Sen. Paul said lawmakers would consider further action following the hearing, including whether Fauci should be held in contempt of Congress.

The controversy surrounding Fauci comes years after he became a central figure in America’s response to COVID-19. Supporters credit him with helping guide public health policy during an unprecedented crisis, while critics argue his recommendations caused significant harm and that he has not been sufficiently transparent about decisions made during the pandemic.

Blackburn’s remarks added to the growing Republican backlash following Fauci’s testimony, as lawmakers continue debating whether the former health official provided sufficient accountability for his role in shaping pandemic-era policies.