Fauci's Diary Revelations: Calls Trump 'Total Embarrassment,' Writes Of Sudden Fame

Diary entries written by Dr. Anthony Fauci while he advised the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, released this week by Fauci critic Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., have stirred outrage among Fauci's Republican critics, who have largely accused Fauci of an obsession with his newfound fame while the virus spread and shutdown orders went into effect. Paul released more than 1,000 pages of what he says are near-daily diaries Fauci kept while in government service during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a May 2020 entry, Fauci wrote the "situation with my national and international fame is explosive and really unimaginable," saying he may be "the most famous and talked about person in the country and one of the most recognizable person in the world." "Press still hot and heavy about me. Multiple stories per day directly or indirectly involving me," Fauci wrote in April 2020. Fauci also wrote of the various merchandise bearing his name and face, which he said included "bottle openers, magnets and mugs" as well as "prayer candles depicting 'St. Fauci'" and a replica of his high school basketball jersey. Some critics have pointed out apparently contradictory statements Fauci made in public and private. Some pointed to a 2022 interview Fauci gave where he said he had "nothing to do" with school closures during the pandemic, whereas a diary entry from March 2020 says he "convinced" New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio "based on what I was saying publicly and my conversation tonight to close the NYC schools," also saying "he should close the bars and restaurants in NYC." Later in that diary entry, Fauci writes he "had a similar call with Ann O'Leary," then-chief of staff to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Several of Fauci's diary entries are fiercely critical of Trump. Fauci described Trump's comments as "rambling," including one meeting in March 2020 where Fauci said Trump kept getting off track, talking about TV ratings. In April, Fauci wrote Trump's "press briefings are a total S-- Show with POTUS rambling." Later in the year, Fauci wrote Trump was "out of control" and a "total embarrassment," saying he was "on the campaign trail spewing nonsense."