BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Dr. Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic after appearing before a Senate committee hearing and taking an oath.
At the hearing led by longtime critic Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Paul pressed Fauci about research funding.
“Can you explain to the committee why you decided to fund this dangerous research in China?” Paul asked.
Fauci declines to answer questions at Senate hearing led by Rand Paul (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Fauci declined to respond, saying, “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.”
One of the sharpest exchanges came when Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno questioned Fauci about his role during the pandemic. “Here I am sitting in front of you 6 years later saying, who the muted do you think you were for doing that? It is a total disgrace what you did to this country,” Moreno said.
The contentious hearing comes as skepticism about health communication has grown in the United States since the pandemic.
The Associated Press reported last week that there are already more measles cases this year than in all of 2025.
In Kern County, public health officials said they work to maintain trust by focusing on listening and clear communication.
Fauci declines to answer questions at Senate hearing led by Rand Paul (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Kern Public Health said in part, “We strive to meet people where they are by listening to the community concerns, answering questions respectfully and ensuring our messaging is grounded in the best available science while remaining relevant to the unique needs of Kern County.”
Some Bakersfield residents said they still have doubts at times.
“You know we feel like they force us to have to make these decisions because they think ‘oh we know what’s best.’ And in reality we’re getting to a point with all of the information we’re learning online, you know, maybe there’s different routes to take sometimes,” said Cade Garmon, a Bakersfield local.
Fauci declines to answer questions at Senate hearing led by Rand PaulPhoto by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Paris Teagarden, also of Bakersfield, said her trust depends on the provider. “So I would say I trust doctors, yes. Some maybe, maybe not. But a lot of them, yes.”