Sen.Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, doubled down Thursday on his criticism of Dr.
Anthony Fauci after the former top health official declined to answer questions during a Senate hearing, calling him Democrats' "hero."Appearing on "Hannity" Thursday evening, Moreno argued Fauci's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by a desire for power rather than public health."This is about controlling American people," Moreno said."He treated us like lab rats."Moreno said Fauci's approach to the pandemic reflected what he believes Democrats ultimately want from government.TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM FAUCI'S HEARING: PAUL BOOTS LAWYER, MORENO ERUPTS AS CONTEMPT VOTE LOOMSSen.
Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, criticized Dr.Anthony Fauci's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during an appearance on Fox News' "Hannity." (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)"You want to give power to Democrats, socialists and communists in this country? They will take away your freedoms, they will take away your liberties, they'll control you, they'll replace you," he said.
"They want to systematically destroy this country, and that's why Fauci is their hero.He got to do what they only fantasize about, which is total and complete control of the American people."Moreno and Fauci clashed during Wednesday's Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing after Fauci, on the advice of counsel, invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions from committee members.RAND PAUL SEEKS CONTEMPT CHARGES AFTER FAUCI INVOKES FIFTH AMENDMENT MORE THAN 100 TIMESFormer NIH Director Anthony Fauci testifies before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 2026.
Fauci was expected to be questioned about his diary entries during his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.(Getty Images)A frustrated Moreno told Fauci that the former White House chief medical advisor had inspired him to run for the Senate because of his influence o...