Fauci’s lawyers set up legal defense fund as US probes multiply – Reuters
Lawyers for Anthony Fauci have launched a legal defense fund for the former top U.S. infectious disease expert, saying the growing number of state and federal investigations into his handling of COVID-19 will require substantial resources.
In January 2025, then-President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci amid Republican accusations that he played a role in research that contributed to the pandemic and later helped cover up its origins. The claims have not been independently substantiated, and Fauci has denied them.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul has asked the Justice Department 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 probes.
“Dr. Fauci is facing an unprecedented legal barrage for a retired civil servant,” his lawyer, David Schertler, told Reuters, calling the actions “unfounded and frivolous.” The fund’s launch has not previously been reported.
Fauci, 85, led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly 40 years, advised seven presidents and retired in 2022. During the pandemic, he backed lockdowns, mask requirements and vaccine development. Scientists and intelligence agencies remain divided over whether COVID originated from a Chinese lab leak or animal-to-human transmission.
Republicans, including Paul and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have continued targeting Fauci. Kennedy said staff spent eight months locating Fauci’s private diary, which was given to Paul, while Paul and Sen. Ron Johnson have released private texts from Fauci’s government phone.
Former Fauci adviser David Morens pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiring to evade public records laws and conceal government documents related to grant research and COVID. Paul has questioned whether Fauci could be implicated.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier subpoenaed Fauci over whether he “personally profited” from COVID guidance. West Virginia and Louisiana said they would support the effort. Fauci’s lawyers said he needs assistance in all three states, including for document review and production.
Fauci will receive no money from the fund, which is structured as a trust with an independent corporate trustee. Neither he nor his lawyers control its management or distributions. An independent adviser will review attorney invoices. Any remaining funds after litigation concludes will go to charity.
