Congressional hearing schedules and public records

Fauci Denies NIH Funded Gain-of-Function Research, Refutes Lab Leak Suppression Claims Under Malliotakis Grilling

Jun 3, 2024, 03:22 PM

Dr. Anthony Fauci, in his opening testimony, denied claims that he had any influence on overseas research into the origins of COVID-19, calling such statements 'simply preposterous.' Fauci reiterated that the NIH did not fund gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, contradicting recent testimony from former Acting NIH Director Dr. Lawrence Tabak. He also refuted accusations that he sought to suppress the COVID-19 lab leak origin theory, stating that the idea of a lab leak is not inherently a conspiracy theory, but the distortions around it are. Fauci emphasized that he cannot account for activities in China but maintains an open mind about the origin of COVID-19. Under questioning from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Fauci dismissed conspiracies involving him being 'parachuted into the CIA like Jason Bourne' to influence discussions on the lab leak theory.