Florida AG James Uthmeier says Fauci probe could uncover grounds for criminal liability despite pardon
Uthmeier said Florida investigators plan to use "every tool under Florida law" as they examine whether Fauci engaged in any self-dealing or profited from COVID-era policies.
Former NIH Director Anthony Fauci listens during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on July 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Fauci declined to answer questions, asserting his Fifth Amendment right. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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Asked whether he believes Fauci committed a crime, the attorney general said, "I can't say that right now."
"We follow rules of procedure and evidence. I mean, I could say generally, I think what he did to the American people was horrific. People died because of him. People got hurt because of him. People couldn't be there for the birth of their first child or the loss of a loved one because of him," he added.
"If he is making money on the side while perpetrating this fraud, there could very well be criminal liability," he said. "But we're going to start with civil, criminal, everything from public nuisance to deceptive trade, to fraud. We're going to look at every aspect of Florida law and do everything in our power to seek truth and accountability."
James Uthmeier spoke at the National Conservative Convention on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Dominic Gwinn/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Uthmeier's investigation is ongoing. Criminal wrongdoing has not been established at this time.
Former President Joe Biden issued Fauci, who served as the principal architect for the government's COVID-19 guidelines, a full and unconditional pardon for all actions taken between Jan. 1, 2014, and Jan. 19, 2025. This pardon does not protect Fauci from prosecution under state law, however.
Uthmeier's comments follow Fauci's congressional hearing, during which he declined to answer questions, instead invoking the Fifth Amendment, more than 100 times.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, wears a face mask as he arrives for the the White House COVID-19 Response Team's regular call with the National Governors Association in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted on sharp party lines to charge the former chief medical advisor to the president with contempt after he refused to answer questions from both sides of the aisle over fear of self-incrimination.
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"I don't know why you need a pardon if you didn't do anything wrong," Uthmeier said.
"Dr. Fauci clearly doesn't want to answer questions, but the American people still have a lot of questions, especially Floridians."
Fox News Digital reached out to Dr. Fauci but did not immediately receive a response.
Fox News Digital's Elaine Mallon, Alex Miller and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
-->Max Bacall is an associate editor for Fox News Digital covering media, culture and comedy.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/media/florida-ag-james-uthmeier-says-fauci-probe-could-uncover-grounds-criminal-liability-despite-pardon