Fauci lawyers launch legal defense fund amid federal and state probes
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Lawyers for Anthony Fauci have launched a legal defense fund to cover costs from federal and state investigations into his COVID-19 pandemic handling. The fund is managed by an independent trustee and adviser, and Fauci receives no payments from it. Senator Rand Paul has asked the Justice Department to prosecute Fauci, while three state attorneys general have opened their own probes.
Key Facts
- The fund aims to cover defense against federal and state investigations, according to Fauci's lawyers.
- Fauci receives no payments from the fund, which is managed by an independent trustee and adviser.
- Senator Rand Paul has asked the Justice Department to prosecute Fauci after he refused to answer pandemic questions at a July 29, 2026 hearing.
- Three state attorneys general have launched their own probes against Fauci.
- In January 2025, then-President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci.
Legal Defense Fund
Lawyers for Anthony Fauci have launched a legal defense fund for the former top U.S. infectious disease expert. The fund aims to cover defense against federal and state investigations related to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci receives no payments from the fund, which is managed by an independent trustee and adviser. David Schertler, counsel to Fauci, said the mounting investigations could result in lengthy and costly legal proceedings despite Biden's pardon.
Investigations and Pardon
In January 2025, then-President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci amid accusations from Republican lawmakers that he played a role in research that contributed to the pandemic and later sought to cover up its origins. Fauci has denied the allegations. U.S. Republican Senator Rand Paul has asked the Department of Justice to prosecute Fauci after he refused to answer questions about the pandemic at a congressional hearing last month. Three state attorneys general have since launched their own probes against him.
Fauci's Career and Response
Fauci, 85, led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for nearly 40 years and advised seven U.S. presidents. He retired in 2022. During the pandemic, he was a leading proponent of lockdown measures, mask requirements and vaccine development. Schertler called the investigations an 'unprecedented legal barrage' and said Fauci 'deserves a robust defense against these unfounded and frivolous actions.'
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Fauci lawyers launch legal defense fund amid federal and state probes
