No, a Government Scientist on Fauci’s Staff Can’t Avoid FOIA Email Requests

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is based on a crucial principle: any document that the public pays for belongs to the public. Whenever a government official writes or records something as part of their taxpayer-funded duties, ordinary citizens have the right to request a copy, with some exemptions for privacy and security.

Politicians, however, often dislike this level of accountability. Occasionally, they are caught hiding their official correspondence from FOIA requesters. For example, Hillary Clinton’s attempt to hide State Department emails on a private server was a major scandal during the 2016 election. Recently, FOIA has become entangled in the controversy surrounding coronavirus origins.

In emails uncovered by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, government scientist David Morens was found plotting with an NIH FOIA officer on how to hide his emails. Morens, an adviser to former NIH official Anthony Fauci, admitted to learning how to make emails disappear when faced with a FOIA request. This behavior is illegal and goes against the spirit of transparency.

The Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing NIH, emphasized its commitment to FOIA compliance and federal records management. It is crucial for government personnel to conduct business using official channels and not resort to personal email accounts.

Morens’ misconceptions about FOIA, including attempting to evade requests through email practices, have raised concerns about transparency within NIH. Subcommittee investigations have revealed deliberate actions to circumvent FOIA requirements, potentially leading to a cover-up within the NIH FOIA office.

The investigation into Morens’ actions is part of a broader inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The attempts to conceal information have only fueled suspicions and undermined the credibility of the scientific community involved.

This incident serves as a reminder to government officials that transparency is essential. Trying to evade FOIA requests only leads to more scrutiny and distrust. Honesty and accountability are paramount in maintaining public trust and credibility.