Fauci clashes with Senate, faces contempt and Florida probe

On July 30, 2026, Dr. Anthony Fauci faced a combative Senate hearing, refusing to answer questions, which prompted Senator Rand Paul to announce plans to hold him in contempt. Florida officials also launched an investigation into Fauci following the hearing. Reports indicate that President Trump reacted to the hearing but has shown little interest in leading the anti-Fauci crusade, and one diary entry claims Trump once screamed at Fauci, with Katie Miller sent to apologize. Critics, including MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell, called the Republican attacks on Fauci 'one of the darkest days in our Senate's history.'