House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has fired off another strongly worded letter, this time targeting Dr. Anthony Fauci following his June 3 testimony before the Oversight Committee’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. In the letter, Jordan accuses Fauci of providing false testimony regarding his stance on the COVID-19 lab leak theory and his alleged involvement in suppressing information related to the virus’ origins.
Jordan, who also chairs the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, is investigating how and to what extent the Executive Branch has coerced or colluded with companies and intermediaries to censor Americans’ speech. Given Fauci’s role with the COVID-19 Response Team, Jordan believes he possesses pertinent information.
The letter pulls no punches, stating that Fauci’s claim of having “kept an open mind” about the lab leak theory and not playing a part in downplaying it is “false on its face.” Jordan cites internal Facebook communications that reveal the social media platform censored the lab leak theory due to “pressure” from the Biden White House, particularly the Response Team, of which Fauci was a member.
Furthermore, the letter references recent reporting from the Coronavirus Select Subcommittee alleging that Fauci may have taken part in a conspiracy to “destroy” or “hide” official records regarding the origins of COVID-19, including by conducting official business on his personal email and deleting official records to avoid FOIA requests and public disclosure.
Jordan has requested that Fauci produce communications with the Executive Branch regarding the suppression of information and internal communications from NIAID regarding the deletion of content. He also demands that Fauci appear for a transcribed interview before the Committee and review any materials produced to refresh his recollection, as during a previous deposition, Fauci stated “I do not recall,” “I don’t remember,” or variations thereof at least 212 times.
While the letter may be seen as another instance of a “sternly worded” missive, it is an essential first step in the process that could lead to a subpoena. Although the GOP’s enforcement capabilities are limited with a Biden-controlled DOJ, the information uncovered during the 118th Congress has been significant. The ball is now in Fauci’s court to respond to Jordan’s demands and provide the requested information and testimony.
