Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb has described entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci's diaries as "disappointing," citing evidence of the former NIH director seeking media notoriety and attempting to suppress alternative opinions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During an interview on CNBC, Gottlieb was pressed by host Joe Kernen regarding Fauci's diaries, which were released by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul. Kernen raised questions about Fauci's role in the pandemic and whether he orchestrated a cover-up regarding the virus's origins. Gottlieb stated that upon reviewing some of the released emails and diary entries, he found them "disappointing."
"The part of it that also disappointed me was how much he enjoyed the media associated with the event and his own appearances," Gottlieb said, contrasting this with his own experience of feeling an "obligation to inform the public" during a difficult time, which also led to threats.
Kernen characterized parts of the revelations as "outrageous" and questioned Fauci's lasting reputation. Gottlieb responded that the Fauci he knew personally seemed different from the one depicted in some of the communications, describing the former NIH head as typically careful and thoughtful.
The discussion also touched upon Fauci's relationship with members of the media, particularly CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who is mentioned frequently in the diary entries. According to the notes, Tapper texted Fauci to mock rival hosts and other doctors, and Fauci documented dinners with Tapper and his wife. In one instance, Fauci wrote that he "gave Jake some questions to ask" during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."
Fauci has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the diary entries.