Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, exhibited a strong desire for media appearances early in the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking opportunities to communicate public health messaging, according to insights from former White House insiders and his own diary entries. His burgeoning celebrity status and frequent television presence, however, led to friction with Trump administration officials who sought to control messaging and limit his exposure.
Early in the pandemic, the White House initially approved of Fauci's television appearances to explain scientific aspects of public health decisions. However, as the administration focused on reopening the country, Fauci's relationship with White House staff became more contentious. Sources described him as a "media diva" who reveled in his celebrity and sought extensive clearance for interviews. His frustration is documented in his diaries, released by Senator Rand Paul, where he wrote about being kept out of press briefings by White House communications staff while media attention, including novelty items featuring his name, continued.
Some former officials characterized Fauci as aloof and condescending, recalling arguments over messaging. Hogan Gidley, former White House deputy press secretary, stated that Fauci expressed a preference for outlets like CNN over Fox News, where he felt he would face tougher questions. Alexa Henning, another former deputy press secretary, shared a diary entry where Fauci described her as a "mole who does not like me."
Fauci reportedly bristled at attempts by staff to brief him or coach him on the president's messaging before media appearances. This led to clashes, including an argument in the Situation Room regarding mask guidelines, which Gidley suggested was part of a "show" to protect Fauci's celebrity, a claim he based on his perception that mask guidance was based on a "made up lie."
As media anchors pressed Fauci on presidential decisions, White House officials grew concerned that his advice sometimes conflicted with statements from President Trump and other federal health officials. Media requests for Fauci's appearances were reportedly overwhelming, with top anchors sending personal requests. Top Trump officials instructed staff to reduce his appearances, which reportedly did not sit well with Fauci. One official noted, "He was just addicted to going on TV."
When media requests were denied, Fauci allegedly blamed White House staff, leading to angry calls from prominent anchors to the White House. Former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo reportedly accused staff of "killing people" for keeping Fauci off his show. Fauci also expressed a desire to appear on Cuomo's program frequently.
Fauci attempted to expand his media profile by working with officials, but approvals were limited. He sent an email on July 3 to Trump advisor Michael Caputo, whom he privately described in his diary with disparaging terms, expressing frustration over denied interview requests and stating, "We are missing an opportunity to save lives."
Caputo recalled a breakfast meeting with Fauci where the doctor was singularly focused on media bookings. Despite these interactions, Caputo stated Fauci was "pretty unkind" to him.
By mid-July, Fauci's diary indicated a call from then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows regarding a comment Fauci made during a Georgetown webinar, where he described the coronavirus pandemic as "a pandemic of historic proportions" comparable to the 1918 Spanish flu. Meadows reportedly demanded a retraction, which Fauci offered as a clarification that he was taken out of context. However, Meadows publicly stated on Fox News that Fauci's comment was "not accurate and not based on science."
Fauci wrote in his diary that Meadows's "nitpicking" was almost his last straw and that he was "seriously considering resigning from the Task Force" because he "cannot tolerate people following my every word." He continued to complain that White House communications staffers were "continuing to jerk me around" on his requests for television approvals, concluding in October 2020 that "Clearly, they do not want me on Major TV, but are afraid to admit it."