Trump administration fails to impose crucial restrictions on gain-of-function research

In May 2023, an executive order from the White House initiated efforts to redefine dangerous gain-of-function research, a type of research that many believe contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order promised to implement new restrictions within a few months; however, as of September 2023, these deadlines have not been met. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), responsible for the regulations, has not provided any comments regarding the delays. This lack of action has caused significant concern among biosafety advocates, who fear that the administration is retreating from its commitment to ensure oversight of risky research practices. Previously, in 2017, a framework was established by the Trump administration allowing gain-of-function research to resume under stringent conditions. Although the May executive order aimed to further clarify what constitutes dangerous research, funding for potentially risky experiments, especially those involving pathogens such as SARS and MERS, was not suspended as promised. This has alarmed many scientists and health advocates who believe these ongoing projects could pose significant public health risks. The administration's failure to adhere to its proposed timelines has sown confusion and frustration within the scientific community. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) later announced a suspension of funding for 40 projects, but critics argue that many of these projects were not truly dangerous and did not meet the newly defined threats outlined by the White House. There are ongoing discussions among NIH officials about how to manage and oversee these research initiatives, yet the lack of clear and timely regulations has left many wondering about the future of gain-of-function research in the U.S. The broader implications of these delays may influence how similar research is conducted around the world, particularly in countries deemed critical to national security, such as China. Advocates for stricter regulations believe that the administration's indecision can be interpreted as a retreat from promises made in the May executive order. Conversations surrounding transparency in oversight and the process for granting waivers to a ban on dangerous research emerge as core elements of ongoing debates. With high-profile controversies surrounding the administration's other health policy initiatives, such as vaccines and disease prevention, skepticism remains regarding its commitment to improving biosafety and public health. Without timely regulatory frameworks, the risks associated with gain-of-function research continue to loom large in the face of potential future pandemics.