(The Daily Signal)—Remarks from a virologist calling out former National Institutes of Health leaders—Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci—have sparked renewed interest on Capitol Hill about the government’s handling of COVID-19.
Virologist Simon Wain-Hobson, a professor at the Paris-based Institut Pasteur, accused Fauci and Collins of “professional failure” in the COVID-19 pandemic and the lead-up to it when speaking in March to more than 100 NIH officials.
“Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins are guilty of offenses far worse than ‘professional failure,’” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, told The Daily Signal.
“They were clearly involved in a purposeful cover-up of their support for and funding of dangerous gain-of-function research that more than likely produced the coronavirus and allowed them to unleash their mRNA injection on an unsuspecting global population,” Johnson added.
Fauci, Collins, and other NIH officials have denied conducting gain-of-function research or that such research led to the COVID-19 pandemic. The term “gain-of-function” describes a risky research process of making a pathogen more dangerous or contagious for the purpose of studying a response.
Paul D. Thacker, an independent journalist and former Senate staff investigator, first reported on his Substack, The Disinformation Chronicle, on the private remarks by Wain-Hobson to NIH officials.
The virologist’s remarks should be reviewed, Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., a doctor who was a member of the former House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, said.
“I’ve continually said that questions regarding the origins of COVID-19 and gain-of-function research should always be addressed with transparency and seriousness,” McCormick told The Daily Signal. “If a respected virologist like Simon Wain-Hobson raises concerns about past leadership at NIH, those concerns should be carefully reviewed.”
“Early publications associated with NIH leadership, including Dr. Fauci, shaped the initial narrative and may have limited broader scientific debate,” McCormick continued. “Transparency and accountability at the NIH are essential for public trust. The whole point of science is to have robust debate, and the minute you sterilize that debate, it is no longer science.”
Collins is the former director of the National Institutes of Health. Fauci is the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
During his remarks, Wain-Hobson pointed to a 2011 Washington Post commentary by Fauci and Collins that defended controversial research.
“We can’t have the safety of society being dictated without discussion,” Wain-Hobson said. “I think that was a professional failure.”
He further accused the American Society for Microbiology of “obfuscating” how dangerous gain-of-function research is. The society did not respond to inquiries for this story.
After retiring, Fauci became a professor at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and a professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy. The Daily Signal contacted the media relations office at Georgetown University to seek comment from Fauci. The Daily Signal also contacted Leading Authorities Inc., a speaking bureau that books Fauci for public speeches. No one responded by publication time.
The Daily Signal also reached out for this story to the Harry Walker Agency, which books Collins’ speaking engagements; to AAE Speakers, which lists Collins as one of their speakers; and to an email address still listed for Collins on the NIH website. No one responded by publication time.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.