Top Adviser to Dr. Fauci Admits to Misuse of Personal Email Account, Deletion of Emails During COVID-19 Pandemic
A top adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has admitted to using his personal email account to avoid Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and even went so far as to delete certain emails during the pandemic. This revelation has raised concerns and led House lawmakers to investigate whether laws were broken in the process.
Dr. David Morens, who has worked at the NIAID for approximately 25 years, allegedly used his personal email account to skirt FOIA requests and discussed sensitive matters related to the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic revealed these emails on Thursday, claiming that Morens may have violated the law.
In an email exchange between Morens and Bloomberg reporter Jason Gale, it was made clear that Morens needed approval from both the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services to discuss the origins of COVID-19. Morens wrote in the email, which was first published by The Intercept, “Sometimes they are touchy about certain issues and say no. For many months, I have not been approved to talk about the ‘origins’ on the record.”
However, Morens shared a surprising development in another email to Gale. He mentioned that Dr. Fauci had asked him to speak to National Geographic about the origins of COVID-19 on the record. Morens interpreted this as a sign that the government was becoming more permissive in discussing the origins, but he also noted that Fauci did not want his name associated with origin stories.
The emails also highlight Morens’ concern over what was sent to his work email versus his personal email. He assured those on the email chain that they did not need to worry and that he would delete anything he did not want to see in the New York Times. Morens explained, “As you know, I try to always communicate on gmail because my NIH email is FOIA’d constantly. Stuff sent to my gmail gets to my phone … but not my NIH computer.”
Additionally, an email from September 7, 2021, shows Peter Daszak, the President of EcoHealth Alliance, discussing negative publicity and potential attacks on Fauci and scientists involved in coronavirus research. Morens responded by suggesting the possibility of suing those who spread slanderous information.
Earlier this month, the Government Accountability Office revealed that EcoHealth Alliance had given over $2 million in subgrants from NIAID and the US Agency for International Development to the Wuhan Institute of Virology between 2014 and 2021.
Chair of the House Select Subcommittee, Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, penned a letter to Morens addressing the documents obtained by the committee. In the letter, Wenstrup expressed concerns about the misuse of personal email, the potential deletion of federal records, and the disparagement of fellow scientists. The subcommittee has requested additional records, including from Morens’ personal device, and an interview with Morens.
The revelations surrounding the use of personal email accounts and potential violations of transparency laws have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the origins of COVID-19. Critics argue that these actions undermine public trust in scientific research, while proponents contend that the focus should remain on finding concrete evidence regarding the origins of the virus.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, will result from Morens’ actions. The emails have certainly raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of scientific discourse within the NIAID and the broader scientific community.
In the midst of this controversy, it is crucial to remember the importance of accurate and reliable information in dealing with a global health crisis. The public deserves transparency from scientists and policymakers to make informed decisions about their health and safety.
