Tulsi Gabbard Announces Release of Intelligence on Extensive U.S. Funded Biolabs Around the World
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has released what she described as previously undisclosed intelligence concerning a network of more than 120 biolaboratories operating across more than 30 countries with U.S. government funding.
The announcement, delivered from ODNI headquarters and broadcast by Forbes Breaking News, immediately reignited debate over gain of function research, government transparency, and the origins of controversial biological research programs that have been the subject of political battles for years.
According to Gabbard, newly released intelligence documents reveal a far broader global footprint for U.S. funded biological research facilities than many Americans were previously aware of. She alleged that information regarding the history, funding, locations, and activities of many of these facilities had been intentionally withheld from public scrutiny.
“The American people deserve to know the truth,” Gabbard said during the announcement, arguing that taxpayers have funded overseas laboratories conducting research involving dangerous pathogens with little public oversight.
Ukraine Labs Again Become Focus of Debate
One of the most significant aspects of the announcement involved biolaboratories located in Ukraine.
Gabbard referenced intelligence assessments that warned certain U.S. supported facilities in Ukraine could become vulnerable due to the ongoing war with Russia. She stated that previous intelligence reporting had identified concerns that dangerous pathogens stored within these facilities could potentially be compromised through military action, seizure, or accidental release during wartime conditions.
The issue became a major international flashpoint after Russia repeatedly accused the United States of operating secret biological weapons programs in Ukraine. U.S. officials have consistently denied those allegations, maintaining that the facilities were designed for public health monitoring, disease surveillance, and biodefense research. Friday’s disclosure is likely to intensify scrutiny over exactly what research activities occurred within those laboratories and how they were funded.
Questions Surround Gain of Function Research
Gabbard’s announcement repeatedly referenced gain of function research, a highly controversial area of biological science that involves modifying pathogens to better understand how viruses evolve, spread, and potentially become more dangerous. Supporters argue such research helps scientists develop vaccines, treatments, and preparedness strategies before outbreaks occur. Critics contend the work carries significant risks and could accidentally create or release enhanced pathogens.
According to Gabbard, several overseas facilities supported by U.S. funding conducted research involving highly contagious organisms while operating under limited public visibility. The DNI pointed to President Donald Trump’s May 2025 executive order, which sought to halt federal funding for gain of function research worldwide. She argued that newly uncovered intelligence demonstrates why such restrictions were necessary.
New Intelligence Collection Ordered
Gabbard said the ODNI recently expanded intelligence collection efforts targeting overseas biological research facilities. As a result, she claimed analysts are now uncovering additional information regarding laboratory operations, pathogen inventories, research projects, and clinical trials that may raise national security and public health concerns.
While few specific details were released publicly during the three minute announcement, Gabbard suggested additional disclosures could follow as intelligence agencies continue reviewing records and conducting investigations. The intelligence chief stated that federal agencies are working to identify precisely which pathogens are housed at various facilities and determine whether any ongoing research programs violate current federal policy.
Sharp Criticism of Previous Officials
The announcement also included direct accusations against former government officials and public health leaders. Gabbard alleged that members of the Biden administration’s national security apparatus, along with certain public health officials, repeatedly misled Americans regarding the existence and activities of overseas biolaboratories.
She specifically referenced former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, accusing him and others of denying or minimizing the scope of U.S. funded biological research programs abroad. The accusations are likely to generate significant controversy, particularly because many of the claims remain politically disputed and have been the subject of congressional investigations, media scrutiny, and intense public debate since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics of government pandemic policies have long argued that officials concealed information regarding laboratory research programs and unfairly dismissed legitimate questions about biosafety. Supporters of those officials maintain that many allegations have been distorted or taken out of context for political purposes.
Transparency Push Could Trigger Congressional Action
The release could create new pressure for congressional hearings and independent reviews of biological research programs funded by U.S. agencies overseas. Several lawmakers have previously called for greater transparency regarding foreign laboratory partnerships, biosafety standards, and federal grant programs involving potentially dangerous pathogens. If additional intelligence documents are released, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle may seek further testimony from current and former government officials involved in approving, funding, or overseeing the programs.
For now, Gabbard says the intelligence community will continue gathering information and publicly releasing findings as they become available. The announcement marks one of the most significant disclosures yet from the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to increase transparency surrounding biological research programs, gain-of-function studies, and the global network of laboratories that have received U.S. support over the past several decades. Whether the newly released intelligence ultimately validates long standing concerns or simply fuels further political controversy remains to be seen, but Friday’s disclosure ensures the debate over overseas biolabs is far from over.
