Florida AG launches broad probe into Fauci's COVID actions despite presidential pardon

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier told listeners on a radio program that his department is initiating a comprehensive inquiry into Dr. Anthony Fauci's role in shaping pandemic policy. The probe will assess potential violations such as fraud, deceptive trade practices, public nuisance, and other state statutes to see if Fauci engaged in self-dealing or earned money from COVID-related measures. Uthmeier said investigators will use "every tool under Florida law" and that any finding of profit tied to alleged fraud could trigger criminal charges, though no wrongdoing has been proven yet.

The investigation continues despite a full and unconditional pardon granted by former President Joe Biden covering actions from Jan. 1, 2014 to Jan. 19, 2025, which does not protect Fauci from state-level prosecution. The move comes after Fauci declined to answer numerous questions at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. The Senate committee subsequently voted along party lines to hold him in contempt. Uthmeier indicated the inquiry will start with civil claims but will not exclude criminal avenues, aiming to uncover truth and accountability.