Republicans in Congress, led by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), are pursuing a criminal referral against Dr. Anthony Fauci following revelations that he received a presidential pardon signed with an autopen during President Biden’s final days in office. The referral, aimed at Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice, challenges the legality of pardons authorized without Biden’s direct signature. Autopen use is typically reserved for routine documents, not high-profile presidential pardons.

A New York Times investigation reported that Biden’s Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, approved last-minute pardons—allegedly including those for Fauci, former Rep. Liz Cheney, and other members of the J6 committee—without Biden personally reviewing each name. Biden admitted he didn’t individually approve each pardon but said he relied on staff summaries and trusted the process. Critics argue this undermines the legitimacy of the pardons and raises questions about Biden’s capacity during his final weeks in office.

Donald Trump has seized on the opportunity, urging Republicans to investigate the pardons and labeling them invalid. Trump and his allies are particularly targeting Fauci for his role in the COVID-19 pandemic and Cheney for her work on the committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots. Trump Jr. even suggested Fauci should reject the pardon if he’s truly innocent.

Fauci has denied any wrongdoing, stating publicly that he “committed no crime” and decrying the political targeting of him and his family. He also thanked President Biden for the pardon, calling it a relief from ongoing political pressure.

The controversy intensifies as Republicans allege Fauci suppressed evidence regarding COVID’s origins and manipulated public health messaging. They also point to lucrative post-government deals, like his reported $5 million memoir contract, as further justification for scrutiny.