Fauci claims he was most famous person in the world amid COVID-19

Key Points:

• Newly released diary entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci reveal his growing fixation on his public celebrity as COVID-19 deaths surged globally, with Fauci noting his "explosive" fame and unique relationship with President Trump.
• The diaries, made public by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul, document Fauci's daily involvement in the pandemic response, including meetings with Trump, governors, and world leaders, as well as his media appearances and personal reflections.
• Fauci expressed frustration with the Trump administration's handling of the crisis, including restricted media access and denial of requests for television appearances, while also defending himself against profiles that portrayed him as overshadowing the president.
• The entries show Fauci's awareness of his rising prominence beyond public health, including an invitation to appear on "Dancing with the Stars," and his complicated relationship with the White House amid the escalating pandemic.
• Released ahead of Fauci's scheduled Senate testimony, the diaries provide a rare, personal glimpse into the internal government deliberations and Fauci's private concerns during the COVID-19 crisis.