diff --git a/packages/beacon-node/src/sync/sync.ts b/packages/beacon-node/src/sync/sync.ts
index 1e03431adbb..94eea73e1ef 100644
--- a/packages/beacon-node/src/sync/sync.ts
+++ b/packages/beacon-node/src/sync/sync.ts
@@ -88,7 +88,9 @@ export class BeaconSync implements IBeaconSync {
 
   getSyncStatus(): SyncingStatus {
     const currentSlot = this.chain.clock.currentSlot;
-    const elOffline = this.chain.executionEngine.state === ExecutionEngineState.OFFLINE;
+    const elOffline =
+      this.chain.executionEngine.state === ExecutionEngineState.OFFLINE ||
+      this.chain.executionEngine.state === ExecutionEngineState.AUTH_FAILED;
 
     // If we are pre/at genesis, signal ready
     if (currentSlot <= GENESIS_SLOT) {