Newly released diary entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci are providing a look into his private notes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including his interactions with political officials, journalists, celebrities, and other public figures.
The records, referred to as “Tony’s Diary,” were released by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, ahead of Fauci’s scheduled testimony before the committee after being subpoenaed by Paul.
The documents cover entries from December 2019 through 2022 and include notes about pandemic response meetings, scientific discussions, and Fauci’s growing public profile.
The entries describe an initially cooperative relationship between Fauci and President Donald Trump during the early stages of the pandemic.
Fauci wrote that Trump frequently sought his input during White House meetings and told him, “We are counting on you.”
In later entries, Fauci reflected on the attention surrounding his increased national profile, writing that Trump appeared “enamored” with him as his public visibility grew.
Fauci also documented disagreements with White House officials, including then-Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, whom Fauci wrote had attempted to restrict his media appearances and influence his public messaging, according to LifeZette.
Fauci’s notes also describe the rapid increase in media attention surrounding him during the pandemic.
In an April 2020 entry, he wrote that coverage had intensified, with “multiple stories per day directly or indirectly involving me.”
Weeks later, Fauci described his national and international recognition as “explosive and really unimaginable,” while noting the large number of media profiles and interviews focused on him.
The entries also include references to invitations connected to his public image, including an offer to appear on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” according to BizPac Review.
The diary also details Fauci’s communications with journalists and other public figures during the pandemic.
He recorded conversations, meetings, and dinners with CNN anchor Jake Tapper, including gatherings at Tapper’s Washington home.
Fauci also documented exchanges with CNN’s Dana Bash following a contentious congressional hearing with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), including supportive messages she sent after the confrontation.
The entries mention additional interactions with public figures, including entertainers and celebrities who communicated with Fauci through interviews, social media appearances, and public events.
The records include references to Fauci’s early discussions with scientists about the origins of COVID-19.
The entries describe a February 2020 conference call where researchers debated possible explanations for the virus, including whether laboratory activity could have played a role.
Fauci recorded that some participants raised concerns about the possibility of deliberate insertion or accidental release while also noting the statement that “the market was not the source, it was the amplifier.”
Months later, Fauci publicly questioned the lab-leak theory and said available evidence did not support that explanation, according to The Daily Caller.
The diary entries also contain references to other political and cultural figures.
Fauci documented interactions involving public officials, technology leaders, and entertainers during the pandemic period.
The records include mentions of figures such as Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour, Trevor Noah, Steph Curry, Sean Penn, Matt Damon, and Lil Wayne.
Paul has said the release is part of his committee’s oversight investigation into Fauci’s role during the pandemic, including questions surrounding COVID-19 origins, gain-of-function research, and federal records.
Paul has criticized Fauci’s handling of pandemic issues for years and said the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director will face questions during his upcoming testimony.
Fauci is scheduled to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee following the subpoena issued by Paul, The Gateway Pundit reported.
The release comes as lawmakers continue examining federal pandemic policies and the decisions made by health officials during the COVID-19 response.
Fauci’s upcoming testimony is expected to address several issues raised during the committee’s oversight investigation.
