Newly released diary entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci offer a candid glimpse into his interactions with prominent media figures during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing friendships and instances where he provided journalists with questions for interviews. The documents, made public by Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, cover Fauci’s experiences throughout 2020, a period marked by intense public health challenges and frequent media engagements.
Close Ties with Media Personalities
The diary entries suggest that Dr. Fauci cultivated significant relationships with several journalists who were covering the pandemic. Among the most frequently mentioned is CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who appears 41 times in the released notes. These entries chronicle a developing rapport, including social engagements and professional exchanges.
One entry from April 13, 2020, describes Tapper reaching out to check on Fauci after an interview on Tapper’s show, which had apparently drawn criticism from supporters of then-President Donald Trump. Fauci noted Tapper’s concern, writing that the anchor wanted to ensure the interview hadn’t caused him any trouble. Later, in July 2020, Fauci documented a dinner at the home of Jake Tapper and his wife, Jen, describing them as a “terrific couple” and noting the “friendship building.”
The diary also reveals a more direct form of collaboration. On one occasion in July 2020, Fauci wrote that he had “gave Jake some questions to ask” pediatrician Brett Giroir during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” This suggests a level of pre-interview coordination between the public health official and the journalist.
Later entries continued to highlight the personal nature of their interactions. On October 23, 2020, Fauci wrote about hosting Tapper and his wife for dinner at his own home, describing it as a “relaxed, good time.” He also included Tapper’s apparent sentiment regarding the then-president, noting, “Jake clearly believes that Trump is totally nuts.”
The diary entries also touch upon Tapper’s strong reactions to political events. In one instance, Fauci recounted Tapper waking him late at night, “furious” at President Trump for tweeting about an interview where Tapper had rigorously questioned Brett Giroir. Fauci described Tapper as “really pissed at the craziness of it all.”
Interactions with Other Journalists
Beyond his exchanges with Jake Tapper, Dr. Fauci’s diary details interactions with other notable figures in broadcast journalism.
Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer
In April 2021, following a challenging House Select Subcommittee hearing related to COVID-19, CNN’s Dana Bash sent Fauci a text message. According to the diary, Bash offered words of support and referenced a comment made by her CNN colleague, Wolf Blitzer. Bash reportedly told Fauci, “no one would have blamed you if you said simply ‘Mr. Jordan, go f— yourself,’” indicating a shared sentiment among some journalists regarding the hearing’s dynamics.
Andrea Mitchell
On July 4, 2020, NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell reportedly reached out to Fauci with an apology. Fauci’s entry suggests Mitchell expressed regret for not being able to feature him on her program due to prior commitments with other guests. Fauci conveyed his concern about being kept off the air, which Mitchell apparently found surprising, having assumed his absence was voluntary.
Chuck Todd
Fauci also maintained contact with then-NBC News host Chuck Todd. In one entry, Fauci described a conversation where Todd inquired about his thoughts on a recent interview. Fauci shared his positive assessment of the interview and sought Todd’s advice on whether he should publicly counter what he termed “slanderous attacks,” expressing concern that a defense might draw more attention to them.
George Stephanopoulos
ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos also communicated with Fauci. Following an interview on “Good Morning America” in July 2020, Stephanopoulos texted Fauci, apparently impressed by the doctor’s response to a critical tweet from President Trump. Stephanopoulos’s message, as recorded in the diary, simply stated: “Thank you, Tony. So impressive.”
Jonathan LaPook
The diary entries also indicate that Fauci assisted CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook. Fauci wrote that LaPook had emailed him over the weekend to prepare for an interview on universal flu and HIV vaccines, and that LaPook subsequently mentioned Fauci multiple times during his appearance on CBS Morning News.
Context of the Revelations
The release of these diary entries by Senator Paul’s committee has drawn attention to the personal relationships and professional dynamics between Dr. Fauci and members of the media during a critical public health crisis. The documents provide a behind-the-scenes look at how these interactions unfolded, offering a different perspective on the public discourse surrounding the pandemic.
The diary entries cover a tumultuous period, including Fauci’s conversations with President Trump, various governors, and international leaders, alongside his personal observations as the pandemic progressed. The collection aims to document his role and experiences throughout the unfolding crisis.
