WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 18, 2025, the Trump administration launched a new webpage titled “Lab Leak: The True Origins of COVID-19,” asserting that the virus likely originated from a laboratory incident in Wuhan, China. This move marks a significant shift in the administration’s stance, emphasizing the lab leak theory over the natural spillover hypothesis. The webpage criticizes former health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, and international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing them of downplaying or dismissing the lab leak possibility.
The administration’s claims are bolstered by a recent CIA assessment suggesting that a lab-related origin of the virus is more plausible than a natural one, albeit with “low confidence“ due to limited evidence. The webpage also alleges that the Biden administration engaged in a prolonged campaign to obscure the virus’s origins, though it does not provide concrete evidence to support this claim.
In addition to promoting the lab leak theory, the revamped website criticizes public health measures implemented during the pandemic, such as mask mandates and lockdowns, reflecting a broader skepticism toward traditional public health guidance. The administration argues that understanding the true origins of COVID-19 is crucial for preventing future pandemics and ensuring accountability.
The scientific community remains divided on the virus’s origins. While some intelligence reports have entertained the lab leak theory, many scientists continue to support the natural spillover hypothesis, citing a lack of definitive evidence for a laboratory origin.
