Following a recent Senate hearing where Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions about the origins of COVID-19, a social media rumor has emerged claiming he spent $650,000 on private security for his movements in and around Washington, D.C. The rumor further alleges that 34 countries have placed bounties on his capture.
This claim, circulating widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), suggests that Dr. Fauci personally financed this security detail. Some versions of the post also mention that he received a presidential pardon via an autopen and that former President Donald Trump rescinded his Secret Service protection after leaving office, necessitating these personal security expenses. The narrative paints a picture of Fauci living in fear due to the consequences of his actions during the pandemic.
However, an examination of the available information reveals no credible evidence to substantiate these claims. A thorough search for any reports of Dr. Fauci spending $650,000 on personal security or any official bounties placed on him by 34 countries yields no results from reputable news organizations. Such significant events, especially concerning a prominent public figure, would undoubtedly be widely reported.
Furthermore, the social media account that initially propagated this rumor has a history of posting exaggerated and unverified claims, diminishing its credibility.
The rumor gained traction shortly after Dr. Fauci’s appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on July 29, 2026. During the hearing, led by Republican senators, Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The hearing focused on allegations that he had misled Congress regarding the origins of COVID-19, research funding, pandemic policies, and federal record-keeping. Dr. Fauci has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the investigations are politically motivated and that his actions were based on the scientific understanding available at the time. He has also asserted that the evidence supported a natural origin for the virus while remaining open to further inquiry.
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