Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday the release of newly declassified intelligence, which she states provides evidence of long-standing U.S. government financial backing for more than 120 biological laboratories. These facilities are located in over 30 countries globally, including Ukraine.
This disclosure coincides with President Donald Trump's administration intensifying efforts to curtail federal support for gain-of-function research and enhance oversight of biological programs operating overseas. Gabbard shared the documents on X (formerly Twitter), asserting they contain "never before seen intelligence" that bolsters Trump's executive order aimed at stopping taxpayer funding for what she termed dangerous gain-of-function research.
Allegations of Withheld Information
In her statement accompanying the release, Gabbard accused previous administrations and public health officials of deliberately concealing information about the existence and funding of these laboratories from the American public. She specifically criticized figures like infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, alleging that the public had been misled regarding the true scope of these programs.
Gabbard claimed that individuals who raised questions about these U.S.-funded overseas laboratories were often dismissed or attacked by politicians, health officials, and members of the Biden administration's national security team.
Ukraine Facilities and Concerns
According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the declassified materials indicate that several U.S.-funded laboratories are situated in various countries, with particular mention of Ukraine. The ongoing conflict with Russia in Ukraine has amplified worries about the security of biological facilities in the region.
The ODNI had previously issued warnings that a U.S.-funded laboratory in Ukraine could potentially house dangerous pathogens, making it vulnerable to Russian attacks, seizure, or accidental damage. The agency, however, did not publicly disclose the specific identities of all facilities or the exact pathogens involved.
Understanding Gain-of-Function Research
Some of the laboratories mentioned, either currently or in the past, have conducted research involving hazardous and highly contagious pathogens, as per the ODNI. In certain instances, this work may have included gain-of-function research. This type of experimentation involves altering pathogens to better understand how diseases evolve or spread.
Gain-of-function research has become a highly contentious topic since the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents argue it is crucial for improving preparedness against future outbreaks, while critics warn of the catastrophic risks if pathogens were to escape containment.
Trump's Executive Order and Future Oversight
This latest intelligence release follows President Trump's Executive Order 14292, signed on May 25, 2025. The order aims to halt federal funding for gain-of-function research conducted abroad. Gabbard stated that the administration is committed to improving transparency and strengthening oversight of biological research programs.
The ODNI has already directed the Intelligence Community to expand its intelligence gathering on overseas laboratories. This initiative, Gabbard noted, has begun to yield additional information about research activities and clinical trials at some facilities, prompting what she described as ethical, financial, and national security concerns. The ODNI plans to continue collaborating with other federal agencies to pinpoint the locations of these laboratories, identify their pathogen contents, and ascertain the research being conducted.