Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.
Claimant: Rand Paul (R)
Claim: On a February 1, 2020, call, only two scientists concluded COVID-19 had a natural origin, while “the rest felt that deliberate insertion was possible.”
Rating: MISLEADING
Explanation: Paul selectively quoted from Anthony Fauci’s diary. Scientists considering a laboratory-related scenario possible enough to investigate did not mean they viewed deliberate genetic insertion as likely. Fauci later described the participants as more evenly divided over the virus’s possible origin.
Date: 08/02/2026
MBFC relies entirely on readers like you.
No corporate or political donors. Your support keeps our 10,000+ ratings 100% independent.
- Remove all ads instantly
- Members only content and ratings
- Support independent ratings
- Cancel any time — no strings
★ Go Ad-Free — from $3/mo ❤ One-Time Donation Data API Access
Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check