Yet, he suddenly decided to remain silent when his own words came back to contradict him. The ability to hold Fauci in contempt becomes dependent on that pardon being valid. Courts have generally adopted broad interpretations to protect the right to remain silent, a touchstone of our legal system. If so, Fauci can remain silent, but that silence will remain deafening for many in this country. Fauci’s contempt of Congress is challengeable, but his contempt for the public is undeniable.