Anthony Fauci’s personal diary, released Sunday, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the early Trump administration officials who aligned with Fauci during the COVID-19 shutdown. The entries reveal a divided administration over lockdowns, school closures, and public messaging, with several Republicans backing Fauci’s efforts to maintain sweeping public health restrictions while sidelining dissenting voices.

Among those supporting Fauci was Hope Hicks, then a counselor to President Trump and former White House communications director. Fauci described Hicks as “very nice” after their first meeting in March 2020 and noted she appeared to view him as a “future ally,” despite seeming uncomfortable with Trump’s desire for the COVID-19 team to hold two daily press briefings to boost morale and the economy through transparency.

By early April 2020, as Easter approached, President Trump grew increasingly frustrated with the ongoing shutdown. Fauci wrote that Trump was “almost pleading” not to extend the country’s closure beyond the 30-day lockdown extension. According to Fauci, Trump said the restrictions were destroying the country and that sports leagues and industry would be devastated by the administration’s recommendations.

In an attempt to appeal to Fauci’s Catholic background, Trump proposed reopening the country for Easter, Good Friday, and Palm Sunday, suggesting that Masses could be held outdoors or in a drive-in format. Fauci, however, was not persuaded by this recommendation.

Fauci’s diary also shows his frustration with Scott Atlas, who dismissed Fauci’s suggestion that goggles could theoretically protect against COVID-19. Just days before the 2020 election, Trump reportedly called Fauci expressing concern that Fauci’s messaging could cost Republicans the election.

These diary entries shed light on the internal conflicts within the Trump administration as it navigated the unprecedented public health crisis.

Sources