In a House Oversight Committee hearing on pandemic preparedness, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) painted a chilling picture of what she believes should happen under President-elect Donald Trump’s next administration. With Trump’s recent indication that he may nominate former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as attorney general, Greene speculated that Gaetz would bring sweeping prosecutions for what she calls “vaccine-related crimes against humanity.”
Greene’s remarks came amid an intense discussion on the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She accused officials of using taxpayer money irresponsibly, claiming they were involved in creating dangerous viruses. “The American people’s hard-earned tax dollars were used to create viruses that can be unleashed on the world, like COVID-19 was,” Greene stated, hinting at a larger conspiracy without offering evidence.
She took aim at Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, accusing him of deception and abuse of power. “Dr. Fauci lied to the American people, abusing his power and position, a very powerful role paid for by the American taxpayers,” she said passionately. “He lied, and many, many people died.” These remarks echoed broader conspiratorial rhetoric that has circulated in certain circles since the pandemic began.
Greene also spoke about vaccine mandates, calling them an infringement on personal choice. “Now vaccines have been mandated on the population in order to work, go to school, and live as functioning citizens in the United States,” she said, emphasizing her own decision to forgo vaccination. “I can tell you when you talk about vaccine hesitancy, as one sitting before you that never took the COVID vaccine, nor will I take it, thank God.
I’m so glad I didn’t take it.” Greene’s comments, though personal, tapped into the fears of many Americans who resisted vaccination mandates, viewing them as overreach by public health officials. Venturing further, Greene implied connections between vaccines and health issues in children, a widely debunked theory. She suggested that other vaccines might be linked to “the rise of autism, learning disabilities, neurological problems, and so much more that children are suffering from today.”
Her statements fueled concerns among health experts, who worry that such claims could lead to broader vaccine hesitancy, impacting public health. For Greene, the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t just a health crisis; it was a crime against humanity. “Preparing for the next pandemic is actually recognizing that the last pandemic resulted in crimes against humanity,” she asserted. In her view, those responsible should face justice.
“People that perpetuated and continue to perpetuate these crimes need to be prosecuted, and that needs to be starting in the next administration.” Then, Greene hinted at what she envisions under Gaetz’s leadership at the Department of Justice. “I’m pretty sure our next attorney general will do that, and I look forward to seeing that happen,” she concluded.
As Greene’s words echoed through the committee room, it became clear she sees a Gaetz-led Justice Department as a vehicle for retribution against public health officials and scientists involved in pandemic response efforts. Her comments reflect a larger, more radical vision within some factions of the GOP that sees Trump’s return as an opportunity to redefine accountability, targeting those they feel have misled the American people during the pandemic. Whether this rhetoric translates into action remains to be seen, but for Greene, the stage is set.