Trump halts funding for virus research
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that restricts federal funding for "gain-of-function" research on viruses and other biological agents both domestically and internationally, with particular emphasis on countries like...
TroibNews 
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that restricts federal funding for "gain-of-function" research on viruses and other biological agents both domestically and internationally, with particular emphasis on countries like China.
The term "gain-of-function" refers to studies that have sparked significant controversy, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump has posited that a lab leak in Wuhan, China—where research supported by US funds was conducted—might have been the origin of the pandemic that disrupted global life.
China has refuted these assertions, accusing the US of attempting to tarnish its reputation.
Trump's executive order claims that unrestricted gain-of-function research could "significantly endanger the lives of American citizens," and may result in "widespread mortality, an impaired public health system, disrupted American livelihoods, and diminished economic and national security."
The order mandates a cessation of federal funding for "dangerous gain-of-function research" in "countries of concern" such as China and Iran, highlighting perceived "biological threats." Trump emphasized that research funded by US taxpayers should prioritize American safety without jeopardizing national security.
In line with the order, US-based programs related to gain-of-function research will be suspended for a minimum of 120 days, during which existing policies governing dual-use research are set to be reviewed or overhauled.
The executive order also criticized the administration of Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, for permitting "dangerous" viral research within the US and for "actively" approving funding for similar endeavors abroad, where oversight from Washington is limited.
Additionally, Moscow has raised allegations that US-funded biological research laboratories in Ukraine and other neighboring countries are involved in bioweapons research.
While the US has acknowledged supporting laboratories in Ukraine, it maintains that these facilities are under Ukrainian ownership and focus exclusively on preventing infectious disease outbreaks and developing vaccines.
The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that unfinished projects from Ukraine have been transferred to post-Soviet states and Southeast Asia, also highlighting Africa as a region of interest for Washington.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
The term "gain-of-function" refers to studies that have sparked significant controversy, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump has posited that a lab leak in Wuhan, China—where research supported by US funds was conducted—might have been the origin of the pandemic that disrupted global life.
China has refuted these assertions, accusing the US of attempting to tarnish its reputation.
Trump's executive order claims that unrestricted gain-of-function research could "significantly endanger the lives of American citizens," and may result in "widespread mortality, an impaired public health system, disrupted American livelihoods, and diminished economic and national security."
The order mandates a cessation of federal funding for "dangerous gain-of-function research" in "countries of concern" such as China and Iran, highlighting perceived "biological threats." Trump emphasized that research funded by US taxpayers should prioritize American safety without jeopardizing national security.
In line with the order, US-based programs related to gain-of-function research will be suspended for a minimum of 120 days, during which existing policies governing dual-use research are set to be reviewed or overhauled.
The executive order also criticized the administration of Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, for permitting "dangerous" viral research within the US and for "actively" approving funding for similar endeavors abroad, where oversight from Washington is limited.
Additionally, Moscow has raised allegations that US-funded biological research laboratories in Ukraine and other neighboring countries are involved in bioweapons research.
While the US has acknowledged supporting laboratories in Ukraine, it maintains that these facilities are under Ukrainian ownership and focus exclusively on preventing infectious disease outbreaks and developing vaccines.
The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed that unfinished projects from Ukraine have been transferred to post-Soviet states and Southeast Asia, also highlighting Africa as a region of interest for Washington.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
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