Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diary entries have attracted attention for their glimpse into his media relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Released by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, the diaries detail Fauci’s interactions with politicians and the press throughout 2020.
Fauci’s connections with media figures stand out. CNN anchor Jake Tapper is mentioned 41 times. In one entry, Tapper contacted Fauci after an interview upset Trump supporters. Fauci noted Tapper’s concern, writing, “Jake wanted to make sure the interview did not cause me any problems.” In another entry from July 2020, Fauci described growing closer to Tapper, mentioning a dinner at Tapper’s home in Washington, D.C.
Later, Fauci recounted a night when Tapper expressed his frustration over tweets from President Trump. “Tapper woke me up at 11:23 AM…furius at POTUS,” Fauci noted. Despite the late-night disturbance, Fauci continued his relationship with Tapper, having him over for dinner months later.
Other media interactions are detailed as well. CNN’s Dana Bash texted Fauci after a heated hearing with Representative Jim Jordan, praising Fauci’s composure. Fauci quoted Bash’s message, which included a comment from CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, about how no one would have blamed Fauci for responding harshly to Jordan.
Andrea Mitchell from NBC called Fauci in July 2020, apologizing for not having him on her show due to scheduling conflicts. Fauci shared his concern about the White House limiting his media appearances, to which Mitchell was surprised.
Fauci also described conversations with other news figures like Chuck Todd of NBC, who texted Fauci about an interview, and ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who commended Fauci’s handling of criticism on “Good Morning America.”
In one entry, Fauci detailed his assistance to CBS’s Dr. Jonathan LaPook before a TV appearance about vaccines, noting how LaPook mentioned him several times during the segment.
These diary entries provide a candid look at Fauci’s media exchanges during a pivotal moment in history. They reveal the behind-the-scenes relationships and considerations shaping public communications during the pandemic.
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