Transcript of Former NIH Director Francis Collins' Interview Released by Wenstrup

Introduction

Today, the transcript of an interview with Dr. Francis Collins, the former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was released by the Chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Brad Wenstrup (R-OH). Dr. Collins played a significant role in the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic until his resignation at the end of 2021. Along with the transcript, a new staff memo outlining the key points from Dr. Collins' interview was also released by the Select Subcommittee.

Key Exchanges from the Interview

Several important exchanges took place during Dr. Collins' interview. Despite his earlier disagreements with the lab-leak theory of Covid-19's origin, both publicly and privately, Dr. Collins confirmed that the lab-leak hypothesis is not a conspiracy theory.

Another significant point of discussion was the "6-feet apart" social distancing guideline endorsed by federal public health officials. Dr. Collins agreed with Dr. Fauci that he has not seen any evidence to support this directive, which caused extensive economic and social damage to Americans.

Furthermore, Dr. Collins admitted that the NIH often lacks the necessary subject matter expertise to ensure US taxpayer funds are spent safely. He was unaware of any NIH policy that ensures foreign laboratories comply with US standards and are not at odds with U.S. national interests.

Dr. Collins also testified that he supported every enforcement action suggested by the Trump administration and executed by the NIH. This included the termination and later suspension of EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.’s grant in April 2020.

Contradicting earlier statements made by Dr. Fauci, Dr. Collins claimed that he was invited by Dr. Fauci to participate in a February 1, 2020 phone call. This call allegedly "prompted" the public narrative that Covid-19 originated from nature and vilified the lab-leak hypothesis.

Conclusion

From the transcript, it is clear that ex-NIH Director Francis Collins had no data to support the social distancing guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The transcript also documents that Director Collins was aware of evidence suggesting that masking could harm children.

This evidence underscores the need for a complete overhaul of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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