Trump bans federal funding for ‘dangerous’ gain-of-function research
President Donald Trump took a significant step on Monday by signing an executive order that bans all federal funding for “dangerous” gain-of-function research in countries like China, Iran, and others. The order also blocks federal funding for foreign research that could potentially lead to another pandemic.
The main aim of this order, which was signed on Monday afternoon, is to enhance the safety and security of biological research not only in the United States but also around the world. The White House emphasized that this order will help in reducing the risk of lab-related incidents involving gain-of-function research, such as the controversial studies conducted on bat coronaviruses in China by organizations like the EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Gain-of-function research is a type of research that involves modifying a virus to make it more infectious among humans. This type of research was being carried out at the Wuhan Lab before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The executive order is designed to protect Americans from potential lab accidents and other biosecurity incidents that could lead to devastating outcomes, similar to the COVID-19 crisis and the 1977 Russian flu. It puts an end to all present and future federal funding of gain-of-function research in countries with inadequate oversight of such research. Additionally, it empowers U.S. research agencies to identify and terminate federal funding for any biological research that could pose a threat to American public health, safety, or national security.
The White House highlighted the fact that policies overseeing gain-of-function research have historically lacked sufficient enforcement, transparency, and oversight. Researchers have often overlooked the potential risks that this type of research poses to society.
President Trump has been vocal about his belief that COVID-19 originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. He has consistently advocated for transparency in investigating the origins of the virus. This executive order aligns with his stance and aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The order ensures that while dangerous gain-of-function research is prohibited, productive biological research that enhances the country’s readiness against biological threats and continues to drive global leadership in biotechnology, biosecurity, and health research is not impeded.
This development is crucial in safeguarding public health and national security, and it underscores the importance of responsible and transparent research practices in the field of biology.
As this story continues to evolve, stay tuned for updates on this significant executive order.
Author: Brooke Singman, Political Correspondent and Reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel, and FOX Business.
