Gabbard Probes US Funding to International Biolabs Amid Security Concerns

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is leading an investigation into U.S. government funding for over 120 biological laboratories across more than 30 countries. This probe, initiated under a May 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump, aims to identify potential security risks and end dangerous gain-of-function research. Intelligence reviews indicate that these facilities, including 46 in Ukraine receiving approximately $200 million since 2005, may lack sufficient oversight. Specific concerns highlight labs in Ukraine potentially compromised by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and others researching highly contagious pathogens with enhanced virulence. Gabbard criticized previous administrations for allegedly concealing the existence of these labs and threatening whistleblowers. The investigation seeks to determine the specific pathogens present and the nature of clinical trials conducted. Officials argue that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the catastrophic global impact of such research, particularly when funded in regions with limited biosafety enforcement. The directive mandates increased information collection on overseas facilities to protect American citizens and global health from potential biological threats arising from insufficiently monitored scientific experiments.