Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is intensifying his investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically seeking answers from Dr. Anthony Fauci. As the new chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security committee, Paul has issued subpoenas to 14 agencies from the outgoing Biden administration, aiming to build on previous congressional inquiries into the virus and potentially risky gain-of-function research. He emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “In the wake of Anthony Fauci’s preemptive pardon, there are still questions to be answered,” and highlighted concerns about the oversight of dangerous research that could have contributed to the pandemic.

Despite former President Biden’s preemptive pardon for Fauci to shield him from political ramifications, legal experts have raised doubts about its validity. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey pointed out that if Biden’s Justice Department deemed him unable to face criminal charges for mishandling classified documents, it could also be argued that he lacked the capacity to issue pardons. Additionally, Fauci’s pardon only covers actions up to the day of the pardon, meaning non-compliance with congressional subpoenas could expose him to criminal liability. Meanwhile, Paul’s investigation is expected to complement another inquiry led by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., focused on COVID-19-related concerns and Fauci’s email communications.