Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Friday released newly declassified intelligence showing long-running U.S. taxpayer funding of more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries, including facilities in Ukraine that officials previously warned could be vulnerable amid the Russia–Ukraine war.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the findings came after months of review of Intelligence Community holdings and files, and claim the existence, locations, funding, and history of these U.S.-supported biolabs had been “knowingly withheld” from the American public.
According to the release, officials also allege that powerful entities have intentionally covered up the program’s existence, falsely claiming the labs do not exist and accusing individuals who raised concerns of being “foreign assets and traitors to America.” The ODNI further states many of the facilities are or have been involved in research involving hazardous and highly contagious pathogens, including, in some cases, gain-of-function research, with limited visibility and oversight.
Gabbard directly accused political leaders, “so-called health professionals” including Anthony Fauci, and officials within the Biden administration’s national security team of misleading the public about the existence of U.S.-funded biolabs. She said those individuals lied about the program and threatened those attempting to expose it.
The ODNI also issued new guidance directing the Intelligence Community to expand collection efforts on overseas biolabs. The agency said the directive has already produced new intelligence on clinical trials taking place at some of these facilities, raising significant ethical, financial, and national security concerns tied to these purported public health initiatives.
