US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has revealed that the United States historically funded more than 120 biological laboratories operating across over 30 countries, according to newly declassified documents released by the intelligence community.
The disclosure has triggered renewed scrutiny of overseas biological research programmes and prompted the administration of US President Donald Trump to end federal funding for Gain-of-Function research worldwide.
Over 120 Labs Across More Than 30 Countries
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), many of the laboratories supported by US funding conducted research involving highly infectious and potentially dangerous pathogens.
The intelligence assessment stated that several facilities worked on diseases and biological agents capable of causing significant public health risks, while oversight mechanisms were allegedly insufficient in some cases.
“ODNI will continue to work closely with partners across the government to identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain, to end dangerous Gain-of-Function research that threatens the health and well-being of the American people and people around the world,” Gabbard said.
Ukraine Biolabs Under Spotlight
The declassified records highlighted the role of more than 40 laboratories in Ukraine that reportedly handled Soviet-era biological warfare pathogens.
According to the documents, these facilities conducted research involving Especially Dangerous Pathogens (EDPs), including:
- Anthrax
- Ebola
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Plague
The report claimed that several laboratories received substantial US funding while regulatory approvals for handling certain pathogens were still pending.
One example cited was the Kherson Diagnostic Laboratory, which reportedly received funding of approximately $1.73 million despite permits for specific pathogen-related work remaining listed as “in progress.”
Gabbard Accuses Officials Of Misleading Public
Gabbard sharply criticised previous administrations, public health officials and members of the former Biden administration, alleging that they failed to fully disclose information about US-backed biological laboratories.
“Despite the obvious potential for catastrophic global impact research on dangerous pathogens in biolabs can have, politicians, so-called health professionals like Dr Fauci, and entities within the Biden administration’s national security team lied to the American people about the existence of US-funded and supported biolabs, and threatened those who attempted to expose the truth,” she said.
The remarks are likely to intensify political debate surrounding biological research programmes and the origins of pandemic-related investigations.
Trump Administration Ends Gain-of-Function Funding
In response to the findings, President Trump has officially terminated federal funding for Gain-of-Function research worldwide.
Gain-of-Function research refers to scientific experiments that alter pathogens to better understand how they spread, evolve or become more transmissible. Supporters argue such studies help prepare for future outbreaks, while critics warn they carry significant biosafety risks if accidents occur.
The Trump administration’s move marks one of the most significant changes to US biological research policy in recent years.
Intelligence Community Ordered To Expand Investigation
Gabbard has also issued a formal directive instructing the US Intelligence Community to prioritise information gathering related to overseas biological laboratories and the pathogens stored within them.
According to the ODNI statement, investigators are already uncovering details about ongoing clinical trials and research programmes associated with some of these facilities.
The intelligence chief claimed that preliminary findings have raised “significant ethical, financial, and security concerns.”
Focus On Global Biosecurity
The intelligence community says its ongoing efforts will focus on identifying the location of these laboratories, assessing the nature of the pathogens being studied and ensuring that potentially dangerous biological materials are adequately secured.
The latest disclosures are expected to fuel international discussions about laboratory safety standards, transparency in biological research and the regulation of high-risk pathogen studies.
While the declassified documents have reignited concerns over overseas biolab activities, independent scientific and international health bodies have not yet publicly commented on the latest claims contained in the ODNI report.