Dr. Anthony Fauci’s personal diary from 2020 provides a revealing look into his thoughts on President Donald Trump and his own rise to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recorded his critical views of Trump and the challenges he faced in managing the health crisis.
In the diary, Fauci frequently criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic, accusing him of ignoring scientific advice and prioritizing political goals over public health. On May 22, 2020, Fauci noted that Trump was “desperate” to reopen the economy ahead of the 2020 election, despite the risks involved.
Fauci’s entries span from December 2019 to August 2022. A consistent theme is his astonishment at the level of his newfound celebrity status. He often reflected on how media coverage turned him into a national figure, something that was both unexpected and overwhelming.
Clashing with the White House
The diary entries highlight Fauci’s strained relationship with Trump. Although initially embraced by the administration, Fauci’s relationship with Trump deteriorated as the pandemic progressed. Fauci wrote about how Trump would publicly criticize him while maintaining a facade of support in private.
A key point of contention was Trump’s dissatisfaction with Fauci’s media presence, especially when Fauci contradicted Trump’s narrative. On August 8, 2020, Fauci wrote about the inconsistent messages he received from the White House regarding his television appearances.
Fauci also described a phone call with Trump on September 13, 2020, where Trump questioned Fauci’s remarks during an interview. Although the call ended amicably, it was clear that Trump was displeased with Fauci’s media engagements.
Fauci Responds to Political Attacks
The diary captures Fauci’s responses to political attacks from Trump and other Republicans. Trump expressed his disagreement with Fauci’s approach to handling the pandemic and criticized Fauci for changing his stance on masks. Despite these attacks, Fauci continued to emphasize the importance of public health measures.
Fauci retired from his position as NIAID director at the end of 2022, having served seven presidents over four decades. Throughout the diary, he noted the intense media scrutiny and public interest that surrounded his role during the pandemic.
Personal Reflections on Trump
Fauci’s diary entries also include personal reflections on Trump’s behavior. He wrote critically about Trump’s performance during presidential debates and his refusal to denounce extremist groups. Fauci expressed frustration with Trump’s attempts to align with conspiracy theories, including those from QAnon.
In a diary entry from June 6, 2021, Fauci lamented the ongoing political attacks against him, particularly from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other Republican figures. He described the situation as a “vicious assault” driven by allegiance to Trump’s agenda.
These diary entries provide a candid glimpse into the challenges Dr. Fauci faced during one of the most turbulent periods in recent history.