Fauci’s Diaries: Insights on COVID-19, Celebrities, and Political Figures

Newly released diaries of Dr. Anthony Fauci provide a candid insight into his interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These entries, made public by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, detail Fauci’s experiences and thoughts on various public figures ranging from politicians to celebrities.

The diaries capture Fauci’s day-to-day activities through recollections of meetings, phone calls, and observations. The release coincides with Fauci’s upcoming testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, following a subpoena by Paul. The attendees in his diary range from former President Donald Trump to celebrities like Julia Roberts and Steph Curry.

Early diary entries reflect a cooperative relationship with President Trump. Fauci noted that Trump frequently directed questions to him during meetings, praised him as “the smartest person in the world,” and expressed trust in his guidance. As Fauci’s national prominence increased, Trump appeared to be increasingly impressed with him.

However, Fauci’s rapport with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows strained as the pandemic progressed. Entries reveal that Meadows attempted to limit Fauci’s television appearances and pressured him to soften his public communications. He also recorded episodes where Meadows expressed anger over Fauci’s public statements.

Alyssa Farah, then-White House communications director, emerged as a supportive figure for Fauci amid internal disputes on media strategies. In May 2020, Fauci wrote about Farah acknowledging the restriction on his media interactions and pledging to facilitate his television engagements.

Conversely, Michael Caputo, the former HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, drew Fauci’s criticism. In a July 2020 entry, Fauci described Caputo as deceitful, accusing him of secretly obstructing Fauci’s media appearances while outwardly endorsing them.

Fauci’s interactions with television journalists are frequently mentioned in his diary. Notably, CNN anchor Jake Tapper appears frequently, with Fauci recording numerous calls, messages, and social gatherings at Tapper’s home. Tapper reportedly checked if a CNN interview had created issues with the White House. Subsequently, when The Atlantic’s Peter Nicholas suggested Fauci was “humiliated” over a canceled interview, Fauci expressed his frustration in the diary.

Following a tense exchange with Rep. Jim Jordan, CNN’s Dana Bash offered support via text, and relayed a humorous remark from Wolf Blitzer suggesting that Fauci’s restraint during the confrontation was commendable. Vanity Fair also published a headline making light of Jordan’s performance, which Bash pointed out to Fauci.

The diary includes remarks on Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Fauci described Ellison’s involvement in pandemic-related technological initiatives as somewhat unpredictable.

Beyond political figures, Fauci’s entries reveal interactions with Hollywood and media personalities such as Julia Roberts, who engaged with Fauci on social media and honored him with an award. Other public figures include Vogue editor Anna Wintour, comedian Trevor Noah, NBA’s Steph Curry, actors Sean Penn and Matt Damon, and rapper Lil Wayne, reflecting Fauci’s rise to celebrity status amid the pandemic.

The diary concludes with an encounter during the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors. Fauci noted an exchange with Hunter Biden, who humorously remarked about potential media frenzy if photographed together.