Former top US health official Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a US Senate hearing about the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying he feared Republican lawmakers would try to use his testimony to prosecute him for perjury. During opening remarks, Paul claimed Fauci's diary entries contradicted what he told the American people about the origins of the virus. At Wednesday's hearing, Fauci's decision not to testify appeared to enrage Republicans, including Senator Josh Hawley, who accused Fauci of having "contempt for this body" of Congress. Several Democrats, meanwhile, came to Fauci's defense, including Senator Maggie Hassan, who said the hearing was "designed to entrap" Fauci. Fauci and Trump frequently sparred over the handling of the pandemic, including when Trump suggested unproven treatments.