Dr. Anthony Fauci’s newly released private diary entries contradict his public statements about his role in COVID-19 lockdowns, particularly school closures. The diaries reveal that Fauci advised local leaders to close schools in March 2020, despite later denying any involvement in such decisions.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
- Fauci’s Diaries: In a March 15, 2020, entry, Fauci wrote that he convinced New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff to close schools and businesses. He also noted that his public TV appearances influenced these decisions.
- Public Denials: In multiple interviews and testimonies, including a 2022 ABC News appearance and a 2024 House Oversight Committee hearing, Fauci denied recommending or being responsible for school closures.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Fauci’s Influence on Policies
Fauci’s diary entries suggest he played a direct role in advising local officials to implement lockdown measures. His March 15, 2020, entry states that his conversations with de Blasio and Newsom’s team led to school closures in New York and California. Additionally, he wrote that his public statements on TV were a factor in these decisions.
Public Statements vs. Private Notes
Despite his diary entries, Fauci has consistently denied any responsibility for school closures. In an October 2022 interview with ABC News, he claimed that his guidance was to keep schools open, stating, "I had nothing to do [with it]!" He reiterated this stance in a January 2024 House Oversight Committee testimony, where he said, "I did not close the schools."
Policy Shifts Over Time
Fauci’s stance on school closures evolved during the pandemic. Initially, he supported closures in March 2020, but by the summer of 2020, he began advocating for reopening schools. However, his diary notes from July 2020 indicate skepticism toward reopening, particularly as former President Donald Trump pushed for it.
Opposing Views and Implications
Critics argue that Fauci’s private notes undermine his public denials and highlight a disconnect between his advice and its consequences. Supporters contend that his guidance was based on evolving scientific understanding and that he did not have the authority to mandate closures. The diaries also reveal that Fauci estimated the COVID-19 death rate to be lower than what he publicly stated, raising further questions about transparency.
Long-Term Implications
The release of Fauci’s diaries has reignited debates about the role of public health officials in policymaking and the transparency of their communications. The contradictions between his private notes and public statements have fueled discussions about accountability and the influence of expert advice during crises.