GOP subpoenas NIH official over Fauci records request issues

In the United States, Margaret Moore, known as the 'FOIA Lady' at the National Institutes of Health, has been subpoenaed to testify regarding her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to evade the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This subpoena is part of an investigation led by Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who chairs the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The committee claims to have evidence suggesting that Moore instructed Dr. David Morens, a senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, to delete records and utilize personal email accounts to avoid FOIA requests. Emails reportedly reveal that Morens learned tactics to circumvent FOIA from Moore, indicating a potential collaboration to conceal information related to COVID-19. The subcommittee's findings raise serious concerns about Moore's role in these actions and suggest a broader conspiracy to keep critical information from the public. Moore's lawyer has indicated that she plans to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during her testimony scheduled for October 4. This legal strategy highlights the gravity of the allegations against her and the potential implications for transparency in government communications, especially concerning public health matters. The investigation underscores ongoing tensions regarding government accountability and the public's right to access information, particularly in the context of the pandemic. As the situation unfolds, the outcomes of the testimony and subsequent inquiries may have significant ramifications for the National Institutes of Health and its handling of FOIA requests.