Senator probes Fauci's government phone for possible record deletions

Rand Paul has directed his committee to examine a forensic image of Dr. Anthony Fauci's government-issued phone, searching for signs of deleted data that might implicate the former COVID chief in record-tampering. The move comes as David Morens, Fauci's longtime aide, faces trial for allegedly destroying documents, a case reported only by a single journalist. Fauci's past emails include requests to delete messages, though he testified in 2024 that he never erased official records and denied knowledge of a purported secret channel.

A presidential pardon issued by Joe Biden, covering Fauci's conduct between January 2014 and January 2025, could protect him if it survives legal challenges. State attorneys general in Florida and Louisiana have also opened investigations into possible state crimes. FBI Director Kash Patel previously hinted at foul play after the phone was uncovered, and the committee's investigators are now looking for any evidence of a cleanup effort.