Stephen A. Smith on Fauci: 'You can't show up on Capitol Hill and plead the fifth 111 times'
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith said Thursday that former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci should have answered lawmakers’ questions during the hostile Senate hearing earlier this week, instead of invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
Reported by 1 outlet — The Hill. See all sources ↓
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci for refusing to answer questions at a Senate hearing. Smith said Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times instead of speaking. He believes Fauci should explain his actions during the COVID-19 response to the public.
Why it matters
Fauci was a leading voice in the U.S. pandemic response, so his testimony matters for public trust. Smith's comment shows how media figures judge officials' accountability.
- Who is Stephen A. Smith?
- He is a well-known sports commentator and television personality.
- What does 'plead the fifth' mean?
- It means refusing to answer questions to avoid self-incrimination, based on the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets frame the story the same way, focusing on Smith's criticism of Fauci's use of the Fifth Amendment.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Stephen A. Smith on Fauci: 'You can't show up on Capitol Hill and plead the fifth 111 times'
Sources1TypeCoverageThe Hill