Fauci’s Diaries Reveal Criticism of Trump and More

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diary entries, released by U.S. Senator Rand Paul, reveal that Fauci privately stated in January 2019 that President Donald Trump should be impeached. These entries are part of newly publicized records attributed to the former federal health official.

The disclosure marks the first time Fauci’s direct words have called for Trump’s impeachment. Previous entries released showed Fauci labeled Trump as an “idiot” and “an embarrassment.” These latest documents are presented as Fauci’s personal diary, following a previous release by Paul covering pandemic-era entries from December 2019 to December 2022. Paul also released historical records and emails from 2001 to July 2015.

In a series of posts on X, Paul announced the release, sharing highlights from the pages available for public viewing on his official website. The disclosure comes in the midst of a Republican-led investigation into Fauci’s conduct and decisions.

Importance of Disclosure

The diary serves as a key element in a broader investigation led by Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The committee voted along party lines to approve a contempt resolution after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times during a hearing. Democrats argued the investigation lacks balance and noted that Fauci might still face legal challenges.

Fauci’s Critique of Trump

The 203-page diary, labeled “Released by Chairman Rand Paul,” highlights Fauci’s changing view of Trump. On January 21, 2017, Fauci criticized Trump for his behavior at a CIA appearance, describing him as “amazingly unpresidential.” By March, Fauci described the administration’s personnel as “truly unscrupulous” after proposed budget cuts affecting the NIH.

The impeachment comment, made during the 2019 government shutdown, reflects Fauci’s belief that Trump’s behavior warranted impeachment, though he acknowledged Democratic concerns about energizing Trump’s supporters. The entries reveal Fauci’s concerns about Trump even before taking office, pointing out his debate performance in 2016 and the “Access Hollywood” tape incident.

Additional Insights and Government Affairs

Fauci’s diaries offer insights into less-visible government operations. In 2016, he wrote about losing files to ransomware, emphasizing the need for secure handling of sensitive documents, especially after the anthrax attacks.

Entries include a 2017 meeting with China’s CDC Director General George Gao and other officials, where Fauci described them as “smart and nice.” Concerns about classified intelligence on China’s pursuits in Ebola research were also discussed. This context gains weight post-COVID-19 with debates over Wuhan laboratory origins.

Next Steps

The contempt referral is under the Justice Department’s purview, with no obligation to act. Newsweek is awaiting comments from Fauci, the White House, and the National Institutes of Health regarding the disclosure.