You’ve heard it invoked many times during Congressional hearings.
Like July 29th, 2026:
“Well, nothing says honesty like taking the fifth, huh, doc? Let’s try something. What day of the week is it today?”
“On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”
“What color tie are you wearing?”
” On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”
“What color is the carpet in front of you?”
“On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”
That was Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley – questioning Dr. Anthony Fauci … A hearing investigating Dr. Fauci’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic…
In a three-hour hearing, Dr. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times.
And he joined a long list of famous and celebrity witnesses claiming Fifth Amendment privileges against testifying in a Congressional hearing.
Which other highly anticipated, high-profile hearings ended up with a star witness invoking the Fifth Amendment?
What language do the use?
And what do members of Congress say about witnesses claiming Fifth Amendment privileges?
Find out in a special two-part episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “Extreme Mortman” – as we remember 19 notorious scandals and blockbuster hearings during which the Fifth Amendment was cited –hearings investigating government, business, politics and sports – from the Joe McCarthy era—to Anthony Fauci.
Hear from many over two dozen star witnesses – or, more accurately, not hear from them – in “Extreme Mortman.”
Find “Extreme Mortman” wherever you get podcasts.
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