The release came one day after new documents shared Thursday by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) alleged that Dr. Anthony Fauci used ties to the intelligence community to influence national security agencies in debates over the origins of COVID-19. Some laboratories have engaged in, or currently engage in, gain-of-function research, according to ODNI.Gabbard said the newly released material reflects what she characterized as “never-before-seen intelligence” on more than 120 U.S.-funded labs across over 30 countries. She framed the disclosure as part of a broader push to increase transparency and curb federal support for certain pathogen research overseas.
“I’m releasing intelligence showing U.S. funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries, including Ukraine,” Gabbard said, adding that ODNI will continue working with federal partners to map where these facilities are located and what research they conduct.
“Many of these U.S. government-funded biolabs are currently or have previously engaged in research using hazardous and highly contagious pathogens, in some cases to include dangerous Gain-of-Function research, with very little visibility or oversight,” Gabbard said.
“We will continue working across the government to identify where these labs are and what pathogens they contain,” she added, tying the effort to President Donald Trump’s directive aimed at restricting federal funding for gain-of-function research abroad.
