A NIH institute funding and guiding infectious disease research
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
Redacted entries from Fauci’s diary show he was in regular contact with Katie Miller during the early pandemic, providing medical input and discussing non-work issues. The Millers’ relationship with Fauci is now under scrutiny as public figures revisit past exchanges amid ongoing political contention.
The newly released texts show Fauci discussing early vaccination risks in pregnancy, while officials acknowledge uncertainty in 2021. Since then, large studies have found no link between COVID-19 vaccines and miscarriage or adverse pregnancy outcomes. The conversation has become a political flashpoint as Republican lawmakers push into the public sphere.
A lawyer for the former NIH director has argued that compelling Dr. Fauci to testify would harass him for political purposes after a July 29 hearing. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 100 times, triggering a contempt vote on Aug. 6 and opening a DOJ referral. Rand Paul says the protection does not apply due to a preemptive pardon.