Anthony Fauci under Senate fire over fetal tissue research, criticized by Bret Weinstein

In a Senate hearing, Dr. Anthony Fauci was questioned about a study that used scalp tissue from aborted fetuses transplanted onto laboratory mice. The research, funded in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) which Fauci leads, aimed to develop humanized mice for immune‑system studies. Critics linked the work to the Center for Medical Progress, which previously released undercover videos alleging illegal sale of fetal tissue by Planned Parenthood.

Evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein, speaking on the DarkHorse podcast, used the hearing to argue that the U.S. political system is controlled by a “mafia,” claiming that Fauci is untouchable and that senators such as Rand Paul and Ron Johnson have little power to hold him accountable. Weinstein’s commentary frames the hearing as evidence of hidden power structures rather than focusing on the scientific allegations themselves.