Maher Criticizes Rand Paul for Releasing Fauci's Diary

Comedian Bill Maher criticized Senator Rand Paul for publishing former health official Anthony Fauci's personal diary, arguing the move contradicts the Kentucky Republican's long-standing libertarian principles. During his "New Rule" segment on HBO's "Real Time" on August 8, 2026, Maher said Paul's actions betray his political brand as a champion of privacy and limited government.

Maher's comments followed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which Paul leads, voting to refer Fauci for contempt of Congress. The referral came after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times during a July 29 hearing about his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the days before that hearing, Paul released over 1,000 pages of Fauci's private notes and reflections, which were stored on a government computer.

"Rand, babe, your entire brand is Senator Right to Privacy," Maher said. "You're the libertarian guy, the Fourth Amendment guy. It's your family legacy. Your entire political career has been about warning us about government overreach. You printing someone's diary? It's like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wearing a gown that says,...