Summary
A former National Institutes of Health (NIH) official, Margaret Moore, is invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to a subpoena from the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Moore has been accused of instructing colleagues on how to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, specifically by making emails “disappear,” which has raised significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability within federal health agencies.
The controversy centers on allegations that Moore, who served as a public liaison for FOIA requests at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), played a role in helping NIH officials conceal information related to the origins of COVID-19. Notably, emails from Dr. David Morens, a senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, suggest that he learned techniques from Moore to avoid FOIA searches. This has led to accusations of a broader cover-up involving NIH’s funding and collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where the pandemic is believed to have originated. Committee Chairman Brad Wenstrup has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these practices, which he claims undermine public trust in federal health institutions.
Background on the Allegations
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FOIA Evasion Techniques: Emails revealed that Morens allegedly learned from Moore how to delete emails before they could be captured by FOIA requests. This practice, if substantiated, could indicate a deliberate attempt to obstruct transparency.
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NIH’s Relationship with Wuhan Institute: Investigations are focused on NIH’s funding of research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, particularly a $4 million grant that has come under scrutiny. The documents sought by the subcommittee are believed to contain critical information regarding this funding and its implications for the origins of the virus.
Legal Proceedings and Responses
Moore’s legal team has argued that she has cooperated with the investigation in other ways, such as expediting her own FOIA requests for documents. However, her decision to plead the Fifth has heightened scrutiny and concern over the NIH’s operational transparency. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding accountability in federal health agencies and the handling of sensitive information related to the pandemic.
Oct. 9 / Dailycaller / Calls attention to the Republican-led inquiry into federal union activities, providing context on taxpayer funding and the implications of union practices. However, it lacks a direct connection to the NIH scandal. “ The Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce sent a trio of letters Wednesday morning demanding that the Biden-Harris administration...
The FOIA Lady Pleads The Fifth
Oct. 5 / Zerohedge / Offers a unique perspective by emphasizing the broader implications of the FOIA issues at NIH. The article includes quotes that reveal the alleged cover-up, though it may lean toward sensationalism at times. “ Authored by Maryanne Demasi via The Brownstone Institute, A relatively unknown public records officer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is now at...
Former NIH official accused of making emails 'disappear' pleads Fifth to COVID subcommittee
Oct. 4 / Fox News / Highlights the core allegations against Margaret Moore, detailing her role in evading FOIA requests. The straightforward presentation and quotes from key figures lend credibility and urgency to the investigation. “ Former NIH employee Margaret Moore declined to answer questions from Fox News' Chad Pergram ahead of her deposition before the House COVID-19 subcommittee....
Sep. 30 / New York Post / Explores the legal ramifications of Moore's actions, presenting detailed accounts of the emails and their implications. While informative, it could benefit from a more balanced tone regarding the accusations. “ A National Institutes of Health (NIH) public liaison for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests — who taught a senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci how to...