Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is under fire for allegedly lying to Congress about his use of private email for official matters. The accusations stem from newly obtained records related to the “Beaglegate” scandal—a controversy over research involving beagle puppies funded by his agency.
The White Coat Waste Project, a watchdog group, has released documents showing that Fauci used his private Gmail account to communicate about the contentious beagle experiments. These experiments involved tormenting and euthanizing beagle puppies in Tunisia, and were initially denied by the NIAID. However, Fauci later confirmed his agency’s involvement.
In an email dated October 29, 2021, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, Fauci told Washington Post reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb that he would use his private email to discuss the matter. “I will send you an e-mail via my gmail account,” Fauci wrote, referring to the public-relations issues surrounding the beagle experiments.
The email exchange raises serious questions about Fauci’s adherence to federal record-keeping laws and his previous testimony to Congress. Earlier in the conversation, Fauci shared a Snopes article aimed at discrediting claims about his oversight of HIV clinical drug trials on foster children. This was part of a broader effort to mitigate the damage from the Beaglegate scandal.
The new documents suggest Fauci’s use of a private email account for communicating with journalists might have been an attempt to evade FOIA requests and shield sensitive information. According to the White Coat Waste Project’s founder, Anthony Bellotti, this conduct constitutes a violation of federal law and underscores a pattern of deceit by Fauci.
Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, has refuted these claims. He stated, “Dr. Fauci stands by his June 3rd testimony before Congress. The email to which you refer involved a personal matter and not a matter related to government business.” Schertler asserted that Fauci used his personal email for non-governmental correspondence.
The controversy extends beyond Fauci’s emails. In a House Select Subcommittee hearing on June 3, 2024, Fauci admitted to approving the grants for the beagle experiments, although he had previously denied involvement. The committee’s investigation also revealed that Fauci’s top adviser, Dr. David Morens, used a private email to avoid FOIA requests and deleted records—a claim Morens has denied.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of Fauci and his handling of public health information. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) has called the private email use “gross misconduct” and urged Congress to hold Fauci accountable. “This unethical behavior undermines public trust and raises serious concerns about the integrity of our public health institutions,” she said.
The investigation into Fauci’s conduct and that of his former advisers continues. The House COVID subcommittee has demanded additional records related to COVID origins, and the possibility of criminal charges remains open. The committee has also used its subpoena power to compel compliance from Fauci’s legal team.
This unfolding scandal highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in public health leadership. As investigations proceed, the public and lawmakers alike are watching closely to ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed and that the integrity of public health institutions is upheld.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login