Fauci Lobbied For More TV Appearances

Fauci and VP Pence

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment last week rather than answer senators’ questions about his COVID-19 pandemic conduct, but a 1,141-page private diary released beforehand shows he extensively discussed the press, his celebrity, “far right” enemies, and frustration with White House aides who limited his television appearances. Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) released the diary, which exposes a central tension in President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 response. 

As Fauci’s national fame grew, he repeatedly pushed then-Vice President Mike Pence and trusted Trump officials for more major television bookings.

A Washington Examiner review found “press” appears nearly 1,400 times across the diary package (including Fauci’s entries, media clippings, and interview lists). Variations of “conspiracy” appear more than 40 times, and “far right” or “far-right” at least 57 times—showing Fauci privately criticized his opponents while presenting himself as neutral.

The revelations gained added weight after Fauci declined to answer questions throughout Wednesday’s Senate hearing, citing the Fifth Amendment despite former President Joe Biden’s blanket pardon. Paul said the committee would move toward a contempt vote this week.

The diary details scientific and messaging disputes with the Trump administration alongside a running record of television appearances, flattering profiles, celebrity interactions, public praise, and grievances against those he felt restricted his platform. Despite complaints about limited media access, the Washington Examiner counted roughly 600 separate press logs documenting at least 2,000 news media engagements—television interviews, radio hits, podcasts, print interviews, and White House press conferences.

In late February 2020, after Pence assumed control of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Fauci wrote that officials had suspended media commitments for public health officials pending a communications strategy review. He had already booked several television appearances, prompting online supporters to defend him. Publicly, Fauci denied being muzzled; privately, the battle over television bookings became a recurring source of resentment toward other Trump administration members.

In May 2020, Fauci recorded telling Pence that his appearances had dropped from two television hits per day to one or two per week, with no Sunday-show slots. Pence appeared surprised and said he would raise the issue with then-White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.