10
Loading video...
By Anna Skinner and Leonardo Feldman
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has voiced support for state Attorney General James Uthmeier's newly announced investigation into former White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing that the matter should ultimately be resolved through the courts.
"Let's get this in the court of law," Collins told Newsweek on Thursday. "I fully support what Attorney General Uthmeier is doing. I applaud him for leading on this issue."
The comments come a day after Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions from lawmakers, led by Chairman Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican. Fauci said in an opening statement that he was following the advice of counsel.
Read More on U.S.
Uthmeier posted on X on Wednesday: "Fauci's lack of candor to Congress is unbelievable. My office is launching an investigation into Dr. Fauci. It's past time we get the truth of what happened during COVID."
Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, told Newsweek on Thursday that he had no comment on the investigation.
...
Uthmeier said his office plans to examine whether Fauci may have violated any state laws. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital on Thursday, Uthmeier said investigators will review what Fauci knew during the pandemic, whether he misled the public, and whether any Floridians suffered financial or physical harm as a result. The inquiry will also assess whether Fauci could face liability under Florida law, according to the statement.
The dispute marks the latest chapter in the yearslong political battle over the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, became one of the country's most prominent public health officials during the crisis while also emerging as a frequent target of Republican criticism over federal COVID-19 guidance, including recommendations on masking and other mitigation measures, as well as questions surrounding the origins of the coronavirus.
Wednesday's hearing followed the release of more than 1,000 pages of Fauci's pandemic-era diaries, which Republicans say raise questions about public messaging and decision-making during the outbreak. Fauci's refusal to answer questions drew sharp criticism from GOP lawmakers and prompted Uthmeier to announce a Florida-based investigation into the former health official's conduct.
Related Story
Bernie Moreno Defends F-Bomb at Fauci Hearing: ‘That Was Me Being Nice’
The controversy has also revived discussion of former President Joe Biden's preemptive pardon of Fauci, covering potential federal offenses tied to his government service through January 19, 2025. Legal experts have noted that presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes and do not automatically shield people from potential state-level investigations.
Collins, a Republican who is running to succeed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, framed Uthmeier's investigation into Fauci as part of a broader push for accountability.
"The people deserve accountability, and this is what truly what it's about," Collins said. "Getting accountability for people, because of the lives altered, the businesses that were lost. And making sure that they see their government, their state, their leaders, doing the right thing."
Collins argued that Florida's approach to the pandemic was vindicated by subsequent economic and educational outcomes.
"We stood up during COVID when many people didn't, and we pushed back, and we were right on the issues," he said. "Our state persevered. We were doing very well from a financial standpoint, new business development, new growth."
Collins repeatedly cited Fauci's congressional testimony and decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment as a reason to continue pursuing scrutiny of the federal response.
"The lack of transparency is the biggest issue," he said. "The fact that you're pleading the Fifth on so many issues...if you make a mistake in life, you should own it and move forward."
Collins also criticized several public health measures promoted during the pandemic, including masking recommendations and seating restrictions at restaurants. An amputee and decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran, he said he personally faced challenges accessing care through the Department of Veterans Affairs because he opposed receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.
He further argued that school closures and social restrictions produced long-term consequences for children, businesses and mental health that are still being assessed.
What Happens Next
The future of Uthmeier's investigation remains unclear. Meanwhile, Paul said the Senate committee will consider additional action following Fauci's appearance, including possible contempt-related proceedings.
Fauci has long defended his handling of the pandemic, arguing that his recommendations were based on the scientific evidence available at the time, and he has rejected allegations that he intentionally misled the public or Congress.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Dave Siminoff.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines