The FOIA Scandal Involving David Morens and Margaret Moore

The controversy emerged when emails from Morens revealed that he had learned methods to “make emails disappear” from FOIA searches, which he attributed to Moore. This led to accusations of a systematic effort to conceal information critical to understanding the origins of SARS-CoV-2, particularly regarding NIH funding linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Committee Chairman Brad Wenstrup has characterized these actions as a potential cover-up, suggesting that they undermine public trust in federal health agencies. Moore’s refusal to testify and her decision to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights have intensified scrutiny over the transparency and accountability of NIH practices.

Key Players

• Margaret Moore: A public liaison for FOIA requests at NIH, implicated in teaching methods to evade FOIA compliance.
• David Morens: Former senior adviser to Dr. Fauci, who allegedly used Moore’s guidance to delete emails and avoid FOIA scrutiny.

Investigative Actions

• The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic is investigating the claims, with Wenstrup emphasizing the need for accountability.
• Subpoenas have been issued to compel testimony from Moore, who has expressed a willingness to cooperate in other ways, such as expediting her own FOIA request for documents.

Implications

The situation raises significant concerns about the integrity of federal health institutions and their commitment to transparency. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of any misconduct and the potential impact on public trust in the NIH and related agencies.