Fauci’s Released Diaries Reveal Candid Views of Trump, Media Figures and Celebrities During Pandemic

Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., has released personal diary entries written by Dr. Anthony Fauci that provide an intimate account of his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The documents capture Fauci’s behind-the-scenes interactions with prominent political figures, television personalities and entertainment celebrities who intersected with his role as the nation’s top infectious disease expert. The release occurs ahead of Fauci’s scheduled testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he will appear following a subpoena issued by Paul.

The diary entries depict an initially cordial dynamic between Fauci and President Donald Trump in the early stages of the pandemic. Fauci documented that Trump frequently solicited his input during Oval Office meetings, praised him as “the smartest person in the world,” expressed confidence by stating “We are counting on you,” and demonstrated enthusiasm as Fauci’s public prominence increased. This favorable relationship contrasts with Fauci’s deteriorating interactions with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, whom Fauci accused of threatening to restrict his television appearances and pressuring him to moderate his public health messaging.

Fauci characterized then-White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah as a valuable supporter during internal conflicts regarding his media visibility. In a May 2020 entry, Fauci noted that Farah acknowledged White House personnel had been “holding me back” and committed to resuming approval of his television requests. Conversely, Fauci sharply criticized then-HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Michael Caputo in a July 2, 2020 entry, describing him as “a con man” who publicly supported Fauci’s appearances while privately obstructing them.

The diaries reveal extensive correspondence and interactions between Fauci and prominent journalists, particularly CNN personalities. Fauci documented repeated phone calls, text messages and social gatherings with CNN anchor Jake Tapper and his family at their Washington residence. Following Fauci’s confrontation with Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan before Congress, Fauci recorded that CNN anchor Dana Bash sent messages of support, with colleague Wolf Blitzer reportedly joking about the exchange.

Beyond the political sphere, Fauci’s entries read as a roster of entertainment industry figures who sought his association during his rise to prominence. Actress Julia Roberts hosted him on Instagram Live, sent flowers and later awarded him a distinction, while Academy Award-winner Sean Penn, actor Matt Damon, NBA player Steph Curry, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, comedian Trevor Noah and rapper Lil Wayne appear throughout as documented contacts. The diary concludes with an entry from the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors, where Fauci noted embracing Hunter Biden, who remarked their photograph together would generate internet reaction given both were targeted by conservative critics.