Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is leading a state-level investigation into Dr Anthony Fauci over his official conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that potential grounds for criminal liability could exist even though Fauci received a pardon. Uthmeier's inquiry, coordinated with other states, examines whether Fauci's pandemic-era guidance involved fraud or misconduct, and comes as scrutiny of his record continues to intensify amid broader political debate over the government's handling of the pandemic.

The probe follows Fauci's decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times while declining to answer questions before the US Senate. Uthmeier contends that a pardon covering federal offences would not necessarily shield Fauci from state-level legal action, and says multiple states are now working together to pursue accountability over his role in shaping COVID-19 policy.