House Republicans are preparing to question Dr. Anthony Fauci regarding his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on his decisions rather than the role of former President Trump.
The subcommittee, including nine Republicans, plans to confront Fauci, who had advocated for pandemic lockdowns and mask mandates.
“It is time for Dr. Fauci to confront the facts and address the numerous controversies that have arisen during and after the pandemic,” Ohio Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup said.
“Are we going to have some type of accountability?” DeSantis asked.
“Are we going to have a reckoning for this, or are we just going to act like everyone did such a great job?”
“He will, once again, put America and Americans first,” Rep. Debbie Lesko said.
Trump’s delegation of authority to Fauci has sparked debate, with conflicting accounts from Trump himself about his decisions regarding Fauci’s role.
Meanwhile, the focus on Fauci’s actions has led to frustration among Trump’s allies, who are seeking accountability.
“I don’t know who gave him the commendation,” Trump said.
“I really don’t know who gave him the commendation. Someone probably handed him a commendation.”
“The 21st century. The three biggest events: 9/11 and the wars that followed, the Great Recession, and then COVID,” DeSantis said. COVID-19 “had a broader impact than the other two events combined. And yet, here we are. We’re not even discussing that.”
Despite this, current concerns such as inflation appear to overshadow the pandemic’s handling, and Trump’s legal issues take precedence over accountability for his pandemic response.
