Newly released diary entries by Dr. Anthony Fauci provide a candid view of his thoughts on politicians, media figures, and celebrities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Released by Senator Rand Paul, the diaries detail Fauci’s experiences through meetings, phone calls, and personal observations. This release precedes Fauci’s scheduled testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee following a subpoena by Paul.
The diaries mention a range of individuals from President Donald Trump to public figures like Julia Roberts, Steph Curry, Larry Ellison, and Hunter Biden. These entries offer a personal glimpse into Fauci’s interactions during the pandemic.
Fauci’s Relationship with Trump
Early diary entries suggest Fauci had a positive working relationship with Trump. Fauci noted that Trump frequently sought his input in meetings and described him as a leading expert. As Fauci’s public profile increased, Trump was reportedly impressed with him.
Deteriorating Professional Dynamics
Fauci documented his strained relationship with Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, during the pandemic. He wrote about Meadows threatening to limit his media appearances and criticized his public messaging. Fauci mentioned that Meadows once reacted angrily to his comments.
Conversely, Fauci considered the then-White House communications director, Alyssa Farah, an ally. He noted that she admitted to the White House limiting his television appearances and promised to resolve the issue.
Media Interactions
Fauci shared his views on media figures in his diary. He labeled Michael Caputo, then-HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, negatively for blocking his media appearances despite public support.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper appeared often in the diaries, as Fauci recorded their communications and dinner gatherings. When The Atlantic’s Peter Nicholas suggested Fauci was “humiliated” by a canceled Tapper interview, Fauci responded in his diary with expletives.
Additionally, after a tense exchange with Rep. Jim Jordan, CNN’s Dana Bash texted Fauci to console him and commented on the media coverage of Jordan’s behavior.
Encounters with Celebrities
Fauci’s diary includes references to notable personalities like Larry Ellison, who he described as unpredictable during discussions about using Oracle technology. Various celebrities, including Julia Roberts and Stephen Curry, engaged with Fauci, highlighting his rising celebrity during the pandemic.
The final diary entry captures a moment with Hunter Biden at the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors, where Biden humorously commented on the potential media reaction to a photograph of them together.