On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions about his actions during the COVID pandemic and his diary entries.
Although he refused to answer questions, he got eviscerated six ways to Sunday by senators including Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Paul even had one of Fauci's attorneys removed from the hearing.
READ MORE: Hawley's Hilarious Exchange With Fauci Ends With One Brutal Question
'Who the F**k Do You Think You Were?' Moreno Goes Thermonuclear on Fauci and His 'Dirtbag' Lawyer
I think it is safe to say the sanctification of Fauci died Wednesday, and reality came on the scene with the power of a freight train.
Not only did Sen. Rand Paul skewer Fauci, but he also said they would now be pursuing a contempt vote against him. Then the Department of Justice will have to decide whether or not to proceed with action. So consequences may be coming, finally.
READ MORE: Contemptible: Rand Paul Schedules Vote to Hold Fifth Amendment-Loving Fauci Accountable
Rand Paul Managed to Silence Fauci, While Underscoring the Egregious Lies Fauci Spouted
The furor over Fauci then managed to hit James Talarico, the leftist Democrat candidate for Senate in Texas.
Folks in Texas found a very embarrassing post on Talarico's X account — Talarico celebrating that he got a Fauci action figure for Christmas in 2021.
I got the coolest action figure for Christmas!
— James Talarico (@jamestalarico) December 25, 2021
Thank you to all the health care superheroes working today. Let’s help by getting vaxxed and boosted! 🎄💉 pic.twitter.com/tVWUrE5lyV
That's when the leftist cult narrative was turning him into a God-like "superhero" — as opposed to what he truly was.
Republican Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26) pointed to the post and nuked Talarico good.
Do you think James Talarico still plays with his Fauci action figure? https://t.co/ZdTxxzoktN
— Brandon Gill (@realBrandonGill) July 29, 2026
I wouldn't doubt it for a minute.
Then there was the campaign account of Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, realizing Talarico's post is not going to go over well in Texas.
Christmas in July🎄😷 https://t.co/6mPNOP7epu
— Governor Hot Wheels (@GovHotWheels_TX) July 29, 2026
Talarico's already being roundly mocked for many of his other comments. This one may just do him in.
Finally, there was Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). This was gold.
James Talarico called Fauci a superhero.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 29, 2026
Today, Fauci took the Fifth 111 times.
Apparently accountability was sold separately. https://t.co/Mm4UYgaNPy
"James Talarico called Fauci a superhero. Today, Fauci took the Fifth 111 times," Cruz said.
"Apparently accountability was sold separately," Cruz said about the action figure.
In addition to being ridiculous and embarrassing, it's just one more thing that shows Talarico doesn't have the judgment to be a senator from Texas.
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