Washington, DC – In a closed-door interview with the House Select Committee on Coronavirus Pandemic, Fauci, 83, stated that the origins of these recommendations were not firmly grounded in scientific data. Additionally, he acknowledged that the lab leak hypothesis, previously regarded by some as a conspiracy theory, should not be dismissed and expressed concern that the policies and mandates he advocated might contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the future.
Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, highlighted these points in a statement on Wednesday. The committee has been investigating whether officials, including Fauci, may have suppressed inquiries into the possibility of a lab leak in Wuhan, and Republicans have accused them of favoring the natural origin theory to protect China.
Fauci’s role during the pandemic has made him a divisive figure, criticized by those opposing lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements, while praised by those supporting government actions. Wenstrup, a physician with over 30 years of experience, emphasized that Fauci’s transcribed interview uncovered systemic failures in the public health system and raised significant procedural concerns about public health authority.
