In a recent interview with Megyn Kelly, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard disclosed that there is an ongoing investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on Dr. Anthony Fauci's role and the veracity of his congressional testimony. Gabbard, working with new National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is raising critical questions about U.S.-funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
The controversy centers on whether Dr. Fauci, a leading figure during the pandemic response, misled Congress regarding the extent of U.S. involvement in funding potentially dangerous pathogen research overseas. During her conversation with Kelly, Gabbard revealed that her team is meticulously working to establish a direct link between the gain-of-function research and the COVID-19 outbreak, as reported by the Conservative Brief.
The implications of such findings could be profound. If it is confirmed that Fauci's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) funded the research he later denied under Senator Rand Paul's questioning, it may suggest that U.S. officials inadvertently played a role in facilitating the global health crisis.
Gabbard also addressed the broader issue of gain-of-function research, emphasizing its ongoing nature and the global risks it poses. She recalled her own experience being criticized for raising concerns about U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that such information is accessible through the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine's disclosures.
The investigation remains active, and Gabbard's statements indicate a push for greater accountability and transparency. She condemned the targeting of dissenting scientists, including Dr. Bhattacharya, who faced smears for questioning the natural origin narrative of the virus. Gabbard underscored the importance of halting gain-of-function research to prevent future pandemics, urging action in the nation's best interest.
As the world continues to grapple with the repercussions of the pandemic, the investigation led by Gabbard and her colleagues could reshape the conversation around biosecurity, research ethics, and the necessity for transparent governance in matters of public health.
