Trump blocks funding for 'dangerous' gain-of-function research abroad

On May 5, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt all federal funding for gain-of-function research conducted outside the U.S. The order came amid growing concerns regarding the safety and risks associated with such research, especially in countries like China and Iran. It aims to address public health risks and improve biosecurity by temporarily pausing ongoing projects while agencies identify dangerous studies. The decision falls in line with mounting skepticism over potential lab-related origins of viruses and the adequacy of oversight in managing high-risk biological research. The motivation behind this executive order stems from decades of debates surrounding the ethical implications and safety measures involved in gain-of-function research, which often manipulates pathogens to study their transmissibility and virulence. Critics have raised alarms over instances where such research might lead to accidental releases of pathogens capable of causing pandemics or widespread disease outbreaks. This has led to a heightened sense of urgency to implement more stringent regulations and oversight, particularly in nations with less rigorous safety protocols. Trump's directive also seeks to address the apparent lack of transparency and enforcement in policies regulating gain-of-function research. The White House acknowledged that inadequate oversight has allowed dangerous projects to move forward without thorough investigation into their potential societal impacts. This has been a point of contention among scientists, political leaders, and public health officials, especially given the increasing suspicion that COVID-19 may have originated from a lab in Wuhan, highlighting the critical need for enhanced biosecurity measures. In light of the order, the National Institutes of Health and other regulatory bodies will be empowered to supervise and assess gain-of-function research more effectively. This shift is expected to lead to a general reevaluation of federal funding for such studies, aiming to prevent future public health crises. By blocking funding for high-risk research overseas, the administration hopes to minimize risks and reinforce its commitment to safeguarding both public health and national security.