A controversial pardon has unleashed a firestorm, with conservatives demanding accountability for a key figure’s role in a national crisis. As the Trump administration digs deeper, questions about justice and public health failures fuel a heated debate.

Summary

• Sen. Rand Paul questions legitimacy of Fauci’s autopen pardon.
• Fauci’s COVID advice blamed for American deaths, Paul claims.
• Fauci accused of lying about gain-of-function research.
• Trump vows to restore trust through rigorous investigations.
• DOJ probes Biden’s autopen use for thousands of pardons.

Paul Challenges Fauci’s Pardon

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) ignited a firestorm on Tuesday during an appearance on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria,” questioning the validity of a preemptive pardon granted to Dr. Anthony Fauci by former President Joe Biden. The pardon, signed via autopen in January 2025, shielded Fauci from potential charges related to his COVID-19 response. Paul argued, “No, and I think he is probably not criminally liable for saying stuff that made no scientific sense. Like, the whole wearing cloth masks over you, in all likelihood, people in America died because they took his advice, wore cloth masks.” The Kentucky senator’s remarks, reported by Breitbart, underscore conservative outrage over Fauci’s influence during the pandemic.

Fauci’s COVID Policies Under Fire

Paul’s criticism centers on Fauci’s pandemic guidance, particularly his advocacy for cloth masks and restrictive measures. “The rules that Fauci came up with for all of us to follow impacted families across the country,” host Maria Bartiromo said, questioning the pardon’s legitimacy. Paul argued that Fauci’s insistence on masks and fear-based messaging, despite evidence of natural immunity, harmed workers and families. “He also severely damaged a lot of our workers, the meatpacking workers, a lot of people who worked really hard in a messy industry,” Paul continued, noting Fauci’s failure to reassure recovered individuals of their safety. Conservatives argue these policies, rooted in what they call elitism, cost lives and livelihoods.

Allegations of Deception Resurface

Paul’s ongoing crusade against Fauci also highlights accusations of perjury regarding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. “Multiple people from the NIH testified that gain-of-function research was happening, directly contradicting Dr. Fauci’s position that this dangerous research was not taking place,” Paul stated on X. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report confirmed NIH-funded experiments, fueling conservative claims that Fauci misled Congress. “Fauci’s lies have real consequences, and he must face justice,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on “Fox & Friends,” rallying support for Paul’s referral.

Autopen Pardon Raises Legal Questions

The use of an autopen to sign Fauci’s pardon, along with thousands of others, has sparked intense scrutiny. As reported by The Red Archives, Biden admitted that he did not personally approve each pardon, relying on staff to process them. Paul seized on this, suggesting the autopen’s use could render the pardon invalid. “If the President didn’t authorize this pardon personally, then the Department has a duty to investigate and prosecute as it would any ordinary citizen,” Paul posted on X, amplifying calls for a DOJ probe. Conservatives view this as a blatant attempt by Biden’s team to protect Fauci from accountability for alleged missteps. “This is what happens when you prioritize politics over justice,” said Fox News host Laura Ingraham, echoing GOP sentiment.

Trump’s DOJ Steps In

The Trump administration has signaled a robust response, with President Trump vowing to investigate Biden’s pardons. “Crooked Joe’s autopen stunt let criminals loose, but we’ll fix this mess!” Trump posted on Truth Social, promising accountability. The DOJ, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is reviewing the pardons’ legality, with Paul urging, “Perjury is a crime. And Fauci must be held accountable.” Conservatives see this as a critical step to restore public trust, battered by what they view as Fauci’s mismanagement. “We’re cleaning up the mess left by the Biden-Fauci era,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) on Fox News, emphasizing the administration’s focus on justice. As the probe unfolds, the controversy over Fauci’s pardon could reshape the national conversation on public health and accountability.