On September 30, 2024, the Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), issued a subpoena for Margaret Moore to testify regarding her discussions about Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with David Morens, a top scientific adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The subcommittee's investigation has revealed that Morens communicated about official National Institutes of Health (NIH) business using his private email, particularly concerning NIH-funded projects on bat coronaviruses in Wuhan, China. While no direct evidence has been found linking the NIH to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, the investigation has highlighted potential improprieties within the agency's public records department.
Emails between Morens and Peter Daszak of EcoHealth Alliance indicated that Morens sought advice on how to manage FOIA requests, suggesting a desire to obscure certain communications. Morens later claimed his comments were made in jest, asserting that Moore did not advise him on avoiding FOIA disclosures.
Despite attempts to negotiate voluntary testimony from Moore, her attorney has refused, citing concerns over spurious allegations and potential self-incrimination. The subcommittee insists that Moore possesses crucial information related to FOIA policies and the validity of prior testimonies.
Wenstrup emphasized that the subcommittee's investigation is focused on uncovering the truth regarding NIH practices and that Moore's testimony is essential for this inquiry.