Former US infectious disease official Anthony Fauci may face state-level investigations in Alabama and Florida over his role in the COVID-19 response, despite a federal pardon from former President Joe Biden. The article says the states are considering whether state law could allow accountability for alleged maladministration, highlighting the limits of a presidential pardon, which applies only to federal offences.

Fauci reportedly invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times during a Senate hearing. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Fauci should be held in contempt, while the article frames the planned inquiries as an effort to pursue potential legal consequences through state authorities.