Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sharply criticized former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardon of Dr. Anthony Fauci during a press conference. DeSantis argued that this pardon, which protects Fauci from federal charges, could lead to increased legal scrutiny at the state level, potentially undermining Fauci’s perceived immunity.
During the briefing, a reporter pointed out that while Fauci is shielded from federal prosecution, he remains susceptible to state legal actions. DeSantis seized on this, praising the question and referencing recent revelations from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. He expressed disbelief over a commemoration at NIH headquarters for Fauci, calling it a “Super Bowl of public health” and criticizing Fauci’s handling of the pandemic and gain-of-function research.
DeSantis also took aim at Fauci’s media presence, suggesting that his numerous interviews indicated a focus on public relations rather than data analysis. This criticism resonated with many of DeSantis’s supporters.
Central to DeSantis’s argument was the notion that Biden’s pardon has intensified scrutiny on Fauci’s actions. He stated, “Biden pardoned him preemptively, which is odd if he hadn’t done anything wrong,” suggesting that the pardon might encourage state authorities to investigate Fauci more thoroughly. DeSantis speculated that without the pardon, state attorneys general might have been less inclined to pursue the issue.
He warned that Biden’s decision could backfire, potentially prompting state investigations that would bring Fauci’s actions under closer legal examination. DeSantis noted that juries outside Washington might offer a different perspective on accountability.
The controversy extends beyond DeSantis’s remarks. Journalist Matt Taibbi, on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, highlighted that Biden’s pardons could inadvertently facilitate investigations. He explained that once pardoned, individuals cannot invoke the Fifth Amendment when called before a grand jury, which could compel Fauci to testify and reveal previously hidden information.
As the debate over accountability in the pandemic’s aftermath continues, DeSantis’s comments suggest that Biden’s preemptive pardon may have inadvertently opened the door for state-level investigations into Fauci. Whether this will lead to significant legal action remains uncertain, but DeSantis’s remarks resonate with those calling for greater accountability from public officials.