Former President Barack Obama privately described his successor, Donald Trump, as a "hopeless idiot" and a "pathological liar," and referred to Donald Trump Jr. as a "fucking moron," according to entries in Dr. Anthony Fauci's COVID-era diary. The diary entries detail a phone call between Obama and Fauci in November 2021.
During the 25-minute call, Obama offered to assist Fauci, who was then facing criticism and what Fauci described as an "onslaught of slanderous lies" from the political right. Fauci, who was the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and served as the Biden White House's chief medical adviser, wrote that Obama told him he was a "civilian" and should not have to endure such attacks, especially after decades of public service.
Fauci recounted to Obama the "crazy things" being done by "far-right Republicans," including the sale of merchandise by Donald Trump Jr. that falsely claimed "Fauci kills puppies." These claims were related to misleading reports about government-funded experiments involving beagles.
In response to the mention of the merchandise, Obama reportedly called Donald Trump Jr. a "fucking moron." He then apologized for using crude language but elaborated on his view of Donald Trump, calling him a "hopeless idiot" who was a "pathological liar."
Fauci also noted Obama's frustration that moderate Republicans were not speaking out against the criticism directed at him. The diary entries were recently published by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has been critical of Fauci's role in the government's pandemic response.
This private exchange, captured in Fauci's diary, offers a rare glimpse into Obama's candid assessments of the Trump family and the political climate surrounding the pandemic.