Senate Republicans on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee referred Dr. Anthony Fauci to the DOJ for contempt of Congress. That cynical, reckless action endangers us all. In the end, Dr. Fauci will prevail in any proceeding based on his invocation of the Fifth Amendment. Republicans don’t care. They want to make Dr. Fauci suffer the expense, stress, and public vilification inherent in a baseless prosecution.
The lesson for public health officials facing future pandemics is clear: Steer clear of leadership positions during health emergencies, because any action that might be contested by conspiracy theorists could result in criminal prosecution.
Dr. Fauci is an American hero. He helped navigate the US through two of the most consequential public health crises of the last century. Every American owes him a debt of gratitude. He is not perfect and has been subject to intense criticism over his long career for his management of the HIV/AIDs epidemic and the Covid pandemic, even as he successfully helped the US overcome both of those crises. But leaders on the front lines of unfolding public health emergencies make judgments that, in retrospect, may not have been optimal or even correct. But if we teach our public health officials that the punishment for a disputed professional judgment is criminal prosecution, we will be at the mercy of conspiracy theorists and deadly microbes that don’t care about political ideology.
I have been surprised by the split in opinion in the legal and public health press over Dr. Fauci’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment. It was the only sane thing to do. His main inquisitor on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Rand Paul, has repeatedly called for Dr. Fauci to be jailed over congressional testimony. The hearing before the Senate committee was nothing more than a perjury trap designed to fabricate baseless criminal charges against Dr. Fauci for testifying truthfully.
Some commentators have suggested that Dr. Fauci should have taken the opportunity to defend his actions and those of the federal government in managing the Covid pandemic, reasoning that he has been granted a pardon by President Biden. But that pardon would not protect Dr. Fauci, who could still face state criminal charges for his role as a federal public health official. Indeed, by Thursday, at least three state attorneys general had issued subpoenas to Dr. Fauci. See The Hill, State AGs probe Anthony Fauci’s COVID-19 guidance, profits.
Reader Ethan F. wrote the following in an email today:
[T]he Biden pardon extended only to potential Federal crimes. It is not a stretch to imagine that some crazy prosecutor in a red state would contort himself or herself into finding that some of Fauci’s recommendations during the pandemic violated the State civil rights of said State’s citizens. When I was State criminal court judge, I was confronted on a few occasions with an immunized witness who refused to testify because of potential federal incrimination. I had to accept the refusal. It was not up to me to inquire as to how that would be.
As I said, Dr. Fauci will prevail in any proceeding based on his invocation of the Fifth Amendment under these circumstances. Indeed, if US Attorney Jeanine Pirro attempts to prosecute Dr. Fauci for contempt of Congress, that action will be added to her disbarment proceeding. Trump is ready to fire Pirro in any event, so she may not have to worry about seeking an indictment against Dr. Fauci. See The Guardian, Trump again rebukes Jeanine Pirro over reflecting pool ‘vandalism’ case | Donald Trump | The Guardian
Republicans on the Senate committee also suggested that Dr. Fauci waived his Fifth Amendment rights by giving an opening statement—in which he advised the committee that he would be invoking his Fifth Amendment rights! Again, reader Ethan F. writes:
[T] he Republicans on the committee assert that Fauci waived the Fifth by giving an opening statement. But Fauci did not address the substance of any potential testimony. He simply explained that he was invoking the Fifth. That was simply part of his invocation of the Fifth. There is no magic formula for how one invokes the Fifth, only a need to include the basic principles.
The surrender of public health policy to conspiracy theorists and political vendettas makes us all less safe. And now, they are coming for our children and grandchildren. Trump plans to sign an executive order in the next week that will attempt to change the childhood vaccination schedule based on Robert Kennedy’s anti-vaccine propaganda. See Washington Post, White House drafting order on vaccines, autism despite pollsters’ warnings.
If there is a legitimate public health debate over a link between vaccination schedules and autism (and all reliable studies conclude there is not, Ann. of Intern. Med. (2019)), the two people in the US most unqualified to decide that question are Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy. Thankfully, the public does not trust their scientific expertise—which is why issuing an executive order on childhood vaccination schedules is yet another reason to vote against Republicans in the midterm elections. See KFF Health, KFF Polling on Health Information and Trust (Showing that only 34% of Americans trust Robert Kennedy and only 24% trust Donald Trump on health information.)
Trump and his Republican minions are playing with the health of the American people. It has taken the largest measles outbreak in 35 years for Kennedy to finally unequivocally recommend that parents vaccinate their children against measles. See Irish Times, In remarkable about-turn, US health secretary RFK Jr tells families to vaccinate children.
But it is too late to make basic public health recommendations after a communicable disease has defeated herd immunity. Such advice must be given before the crisis. And the threat to prosecute Dr. Fauci makes it less likely that public health officials will give such advice in the future.
Trump issues two new executive orders limiting birthright citizenship.
After losing in the Supreme Court, Trump is once again trying to limit birthright citizenship. See NYTimes, Trump Signs Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship (Gift article.) In the most recent iteration of his unconstitutional plan, Trump is limiting “birthright tourism” and birthright citizenship to the children of diplomats.
Trump is simply trying to throw red meat to his base. So-called birthright tourism is effectively zero in the US, which currently has a birthrate of 3.6 million per year. Births to tourists range from 5,000 to 10,000 per year. See Kreisberg, A. N. and Chin, N. D. (2026) The-Demographic-Composition-of-Birth-Tourism-in-the-United-States. The US Solicitor General told the Supreme Court that he did not know how many “birthright tourism” births there were each year.
Trump’s executive order can only be implemented by cross-examining inbound overseas tourists (who need a visa) about their pregnancy status—another reason why future potential visitors to the US may decide to visit another country. Tourism to the US declined by 5.5% from 2024 to 2025 as Trump’s anti-immigrant policies took effect. Preliminary data for 2026 overseas tourism indicate that the decline in tourism is continuing. For May 2026 (the most recent data available), international air passenger travel to the US was down by 6.5% compared to May 2025. See US Dept. of Commerce, May 2026 International Air Passenger Travel
Trump and Steven Miller are trying to limit birthright citizenship to create a campaign issue for the midterms. As usual, they haven’t a clue about the Constitution or how the American public is reacting to their race-baiting policies. See Reuters (April 26, 2026), As US high court prepares ruling, Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds (64% of Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship; even 36% of Republicans oppose ending birthright citizenship)
Iran’s plan to exclude US and Israeli ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Ugh. The latest report regarding Iran’s plans for the Strait of Hormuz is not good. See NPR, Iran moves to ban U.S., Israeli ships from Hormuz, charge toll. Iran and Oman have been negotiating over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has been touting those negotiations as paving the way for peace in the Middle East. But reporting on August 6 suggests the opposite.
Per NPR,
Iran’s parliament is reviewing a plan to ban ships linked to the U.S., Israel and other “hostile countries” from transiting the Strait of Hormuz until Tehran is compensated for war damage, according to Iranian state media.
The plan would impose fees of up to 7% of cargo value on commercial vessels that pass through the strait. It would also fine ships 20% of cargo if they violate Iran’s conditions.
Per NPR, the US disputes Iran’s characterization of negotiations between Iran and Oman, negotiations that do not include the US. Under those circumstances, it is difficult to see how the US can dispute the characterization of negotiations by the parties to the negotiations.
If the Iranian state media reports are accurate, then the US and Iran are nowhere close to a deal to end the US war against Iran. That is bad news for Trump, but also bad news for the world and the American people, who are paying the price for Trump’s incompetence and ignorance.
Trump to Deregulate Head Start in an effort to destroy the program.
The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has plans to deregulate the Head Start program in a way that will effectively destroy it. See NYTimes, Trump Administration to Deregulate Head Start, Antipoverty Program Created Under R.F.K. Jr.’s Uncle. (Gift article).
The plans outlined by the NYTimes are heartbreaking. Head Start is one of the most consequential anti-poverty programs in American history. Per the Times,
The proposed plan, detailed in earlier reporting by The New York Times, would remove most of Head Start’s 133 pages of federal requirements for math and literacy curricula, class sizes, medical screenings, home visits. Even a requirement that children brush their teeth after meals would end. . . . Critics say the changes will gut the core components of a singular institution that has served 30 million young children with high classroom standards and more health and antipoverty services than most states provide.
In effect, the planned changes will strip Head Start of the educational and health services that help lift children out of poverty.
The proposed changes will be published in the Federal Register on August 12 and will be open for public comment for 60 days. I will report back on how to submit comments—but keep an eye on Jessica Craven’s newsletter (Chop Wood, Carry Water), which is always the first to report on how to take action.
Opportunities for Reader Engagement.
Force Multiplier event with James Talarico and Josh Turek!
Force Multiplier invites you to Zoom with both James Talarico and Josh Turek, the Senate nominees for Texas and Iowa. These are two of four seats we need to flip to gain a Senate majority in November! Join us on Monday August 10 at 7 PM ET on Zoom. Register and Donate Here!
James Talarico will spend the first half hour with us, followed by Josh Turek for the second half hour. James Talarico is a four-term state legislator running for the open Senate seat. His opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, was indicted on felony charges of securities fraud and impeached by the Texas House on corruption charges. This is the best chance the Democrats have had in years to win in Texas.
Josh Turek is running for the open Iowa Senate seat. Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and state legislator. He is running against Trump-endorsed Rep. Ashley Hinson. The Iowa Democratic ticket is the strongest it has ever been, with competitive Governor and House races. Join us to win the Senate!
Concluding Thoughts.
Every story in today’s edition should reinforce the urgency of our task in reclaiming democracy. The federal government has been captured by malevolent, ignorant, and incompetent actors who are actively harming our republic and the American people. We do not have the luxury of engaging in half-measures or incrementalism. Trump and MAGA are dismantling our government at an alarming rate. We must respond with equal vigor and determination. The good news is that the grassroots movement is already doing so. The fruit of their efforts is evident in recent elections, where Democratic candidates calling for bold action are upsetting the “go along to get along” status quo.
Everyone involved in the grassroots movement should be proud of the progress we have made. We have a long way to go, but we are on the right path! Keep up the good work!
Daily Dose of Perspective.
The Spider Nebula is located approximately 10,000 light-years from Earth and is an active star-forming region containing more than 700 “stellar objects.”
Pro-democracy protest photos.
Please send photos to rbhubbell@gmail.
Chesapeake Indivisible, Annapolis MD. Also shout out to Lebanon NH for counting cars, honks, and fingers!
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Corte Madera, CA August 5, 2026
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Petaluma, CA Thursday 8/6
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Saw this beautiful protest on the 101 in Los Angeles County this morning. Lots of honking and waving. Deepend my hope! We the people!
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Today was Operation Overpass’ 50th protest since 5/30/25!
We’re ramping up as we get closer to our local primary date and the mid-term elections. We are all about putting democracy on display here in Clearwater, FL.
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Elders Individual post card writers at work! In the 6 months before the 2024 election we sent out 12,800 cards and we’re on track to do even more before November 3! We live in a CCRC in Newtown PA
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Great response to HUMAN NEEDS NOT WAR & GREED (plus ICE OUT).
West LA Freeway Brigade, Los Angeles 8/6/26
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This morning we had a nice group of fellow patriots on the bridge over the 210 freeway in LaVerne, CA. We are there every Thursday morning to catch the morning commuters heading into LA. Lots of honks! I also make dog treats and befriend all the dogs and their humans. It’s a lot of fun!
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Sunnyvale, CA, Blue Turn Bannering’s bridge action yesterday.
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Baltimore Bridge Brigade on the W 41st St Bridge over I-83, Baltimore, MD.
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Pasadena, CA
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Resistor Sister’s protest photo from Burlington VT.
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Englewood Florida
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Stalwarts of Seattle’s NE 50th St Bridge Club during afternoon rush hour.
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Philly suburbs (purple area), lots of honks from PA turnpike as well as the road we were on, great team of brigadiers!
(We turn the message and hang it on poles to be seen by those on the t pike)
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Yard Signs In Arlington, Texas. Credit to Ann Telnaes for her most excellent caricatures of the tyrant Trump.
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Hartford Visibility Brigade 8/6 Lots of honking for BOTH of these messages!!
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Keene NH Bridge Brigade, Aug 5
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Participants in our Rush Hour Rally sporting Tshirts from ”God is petty, but I ain’t,” a black-owned mail order business. There are about 20 of us who have met every Tuesday morning at a busy corner since September, 2024.
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78 of us for Hingham/Hull MA weekly standout #78
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Asheville Bridge Brigade
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Photos from this week’s Bridge Brigade in Asheville, NC.
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A group of protesters meet outside the headquarters of Customs and Border Protection in Detroit, Michigan, each Wednesday morning. As usual, the demonstration closes with prayer. August 5. 2026 marks the one year anniversary of the weekly gathering.
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About 100 peaceful protesters (and a handful of supporters) “greeted” the president on Aug 4 when he arrived at his golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA for a fundraiser.
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As a physician near the end of my career I’m privileged to know a brilliant young colleague who recently completed a virology post-doc at the Rocky Mountain Labs. In spite of promising research on the critical issue of antibiotic resistance my colleague has struggled to continue public sector work in the anti-scientific chaos of this administration. This colleague relates that a two-hour application process for a PhD-level federal agency job in the past month included an essay question weighted at 25% of the total score: “What is your favorite Presidential Executive Order?” Using politics from entry to Dr. Fauci’s level to determine who is fit to protect our health will destroy us. We must vote as if our lives and our futures depend on it!
Stephen Miller is nothing if not relentless. Imagine if he were a force for good instead of being the sick, twisted fuck he is.