Put a Lock on It, Fauci
The Atlantic critiques the recently released private diary of Dr. Anthony Fauci, characterizing his notes as self-absorbed and unprofessional during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author contrasts the lack of discretion in Fauci's writing with the gravity of the public health crisis he managed.
Why it matters
The release of these personal notes fuels ongoing political debates regarding the transparency and conduct of public health officials during the pandemic.
The private notes of the man who oversaw COVID policy are deeply embarrassing—and surprisingly instructive.
Illustration by Jonelle Afurong / The Atlantic. Source: Peter Dazeley. July 29, 2026, 5:35 PM ET Share Save My teenage daughter has a diary. It’s pink and, most important, has an elaborate lock on it. And if I could go back in time to 2020, I might send this exact sort of journal to Anthony Fauci. Every night, when he was finished sharing his thoughts about battling COVID, he could have locked it, scrambled the combination, and then buried it in his sock drawer, as I think my daughter does.
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