Overview of Fauci Held in Contempt, Trump Gets Defensive About Munitions, FIFA Boss Vote of Confidence and More
This CNN Five Things episode covers a fast-moving set of political, health, business, and sports headlines. The biggest stories include the Senate committee vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, Moderna’s newly approved mRNA flu vaccine, Trump pushing back on reports that U.S. munitions stockpiles are depleted, regulatory progress in the Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery deal, and the growing backlash against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Key News Stories
Anthony Fauci held in contempt
- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8–5 to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt.
- The move followed Fauci’s invoking of the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during testimony about the COVID-19 response.
- Republicans, led by Sen. Rand Paul, want to send the contempt referral directly to the Justice Department instead of putting it to a full Senate vote.
- Fauci had already received a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden, which may affect any future legal action.
Moderna’s first mRNA flu vaccine gets FDA approval
- The FDA approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine in the U.S. for adults 50 and older.
- Moderna says trial data showed it was about 27% more effective than standard flu shots during the 2024–25 respiratory virus season.
- The technology could allow faster matching of vaccines to circulating flu strains.
- Moderna expects the vaccine to be available this fall.
Trump reacts to reporting on munitions stockpiles
- President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has “massive amounts of munitions,” appearing to push back on recent reporting.
- CNN previously reported, based on multiple sources, that the Pentagon has used up nearly 80 interceptors for a key missile-defense system.
- The report noted that concerns about stockpile levels may have influenced Trump’s decision to call off major strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Paramount Skydance’s WBD takeover clears a hurdle in the UK
- The UK government has cleared Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- British regulators said they would not investigate further, and officials cited assurances about preserving editorial independence.
- The deal still faces major hurdles in the U.S., where lawsuits have pushed a trial to March 2027.
- Paramount may owe about $7 million per day after September 30 if the deal is not closed, creating potential fees that could exceed $1 billion before the trial even begins.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces backlash
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino is under growing pressure after proposing to sell commercial and operational rights to the World Cup.
- Former soccer star Luis Figo and others have called for Infantino to resign.
- FIFA leadership released a statement showing support for Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco.
- The statement said mistakes were made, an apology was sent to the FIFA council, and the organization aims to restore confidence.
Main Takeaways
- Congress is escalating its clash with Fauci, though DOJ action may be complicated by his prior pardon.
- mRNA vaccine technology continues expanding, with a new flu shot likely reaching older adults this fall.
- Trump is trying to counter criticism about U.S. military readiness and weapons supplies.
- Major media and entertainment deals remain entangled in regulatory and legal delays.
- Infantino’s leadership at FIFA remains unstable, even as allies publicly back him.
Bottom Line
This episode is a snapshot of several major pressure points: accountability in the U.S. government over COVID-era testimony, innovation in public health, military readiness concerns, corporate merger politics, and a governance crisis at FIFA.