Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has expressed support for Attorney General James Uthmeier’s recently announced investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former White House COVID-19 adviser. Collins argues that resolving this matter through legal channels is essential. He stated, “Let’s get this in the court of law,” during an interview with Newsweek. Collins praised Uthmeier for taking the initiative on this issue.
Dr. Fauci, a prominent figure during the pandemic, appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he used his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, declining to answer questions led by Chairman Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky. Fauci emphasized that his actions followed legal advice.
Uthmeier announced on social media, “Fauci’s lack of candor to Congress is unbelievable. My office is launching an investigation into Dr. Fauci. It’s past time we get the truth of what happened during COVID.” This investigation aims to determine whether Fauci violated any state laws in Florida and assesses his pandemic-related knowledge, public communication accuracy, and possible consequences for Floridians.
Potential liabilities under Florida law will also be examined. Fauci’s lawyer, David Schertler, chose not to comment on the investigation.
Collins, a Republican candidate for Florida Governor, described Uthmeier’s investigation as part of a larger accountability effort. “The people deserve accountability,” Collins stated. “This is what it’s truly about, getting accountability for lives altered and businesses lost. Ensuring that people see their government and leaders doing the right thing.”
Collins highlighted Florida’s economic resilience and strong educational outcomes as vindication of the state’s pandemic approach. He said, “We stood up during COVID, pushed back on various issues, and maintained financial stability and growth.”
Collins referenced Fauci’s Senate testimony and his decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment, arguing for further scrutiny of the federal response. “The lack of transparency is the biggest issue,” Collins noted. “Pleading the Fifth on many issues suggests a need for pursuing transparency.”
Collins also criticized public health measures like masking recommendations and seating restrictions, arguing that they negatively impacted children’s education, businesses, and mental health. As an amputee and Army veteran, Collins mentioned difficulties accessing care due to his opposition to COVID-19 vaccination.
The future of Uthmeier’s investigation is uncertain. Senate committee chair Rand Paul indicated potential contempt-related proceedings following Fauci’s appearance. Despite criticism, Fauci defends his pandemic response, emphasizing that his guidance was based on scientific evidence and denies misleading Congress or the public.