Senator Moreno Defends Expletive-laden Remarks to Fauci During Senate Hearing

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno has defended his use of an expletive during a heated Senate hearing with Dr. Anthony Fauci. The incident took place on Wednesday when Dr. Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was called to testify.

Fauci, a key figure in the nation’s COVID-19 response, was subpoenaed by Senator Rand Paul, who chairs the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Paul has long accused Fauci of lying about the virus’s origins. Although Fauci has denied such accusations in the past, he chose to invoke the Fifth Amendment on Wednesday, refusing to answer further questions.

Despite receiving a pardon in early 2025 from former Democratic President Joe Biden, some Republicans have hinted at possible charges for any perceived perjury during the hearing. During the session, Moreno criticized Fauci for declining to answer. Moreno, from Ohio, said his decision to run for office was influenced by witnessing an arrest at a school event for mask noncompliance.

“Here I am sitting in front of you six years later, saying, who the f*** do you think you were for doing that? It is a total disgrace what you did to this country,” Moreno stated.

Later, on The Scott Jennings Show, a conservative radio program, Moreno defended his conduct.

“That was me being nice, by the way,” he said. “That was holding back, trying to be polite, given the respect that I have for the office, for the institution. But the reality is, this guy did enormous harm to a lot of people, millions of people.”

Moreno also advocated for holding Fauci accountable for not answering questions.

“I believe what he did today was contempt of Congress, and I hope we hold a vote on that soon and hold him in contempt,” Moreno expressed. “This guy’s got to be held accountable. People paid a price, he needs to pay a price.”

Senator Paul announced the committee will vote next week on whether to hold Fauci in contempt for his refusal to answer questions. It remains unclear if he intends to pursue a criminal contempt referral or other charges.

This story is still unfolding. Further updates will be provided.