President Donald Trump said the DOJ should consider prosecuting Dr. Anthony Fauci after the Senate voted to hold the former NIAID director in contempt of Congress. Trump compared Fauci's situation to Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro, who were convicted and jailed for contempt after defying congressional subpoenas. The remarks come as Sen. Rand Paul pushes for a Justice Department referral, reigniting the political battle over COVID-19 accountability.

The former chief medical officer declined questions under subpoena, saying Sen. Rand Paul has an “obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution.”

The move by Paul, the chairman of the Senate’s government affairs committee, effectively sidesteps a vote before the entire chamber.

Former top infectious disease official referred to Justice Department for potential prosecution

Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a hearing last week, speaking only to deliver his opening statement.

The panel voted along party lines to approve the contempt resolution.