US intelligence: US and Fauci linked to the Wuhan lab

In late June 2026, former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released classified documents that she claimed revealed connections between American-funded research, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. These documents, which were part of a broader declassification effort initiated during her tenure, included internal communications, allegations from whistleblowers, and intelligence materials related to discussions about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Gabbard stated that these documents demonstrated links between U.S.-funded research involving bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and efforts by U.S. authorities to shape public perception regarding the pandemic’s origins. She also accused Fauci of lying to Congress under oath in 2024.

The documents reportedly indicated that Fauci was involved in discussions concerning intelligence analyses of the origins of the coronavirus. They suggested that during the U.S. government’s evaluation of the pandemic’s origins, personnel within the intelligence community sought guidance from scientists recommended by Fauci. According to the reports, Fauci maintained communication with intelligence officials throughout key stages of the process, and some of the communications contradicted his testimony before Congress in 2024. The documents further alleged that Fauci oversaw funding for research projects involving coronaviruses hosted by bats at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This research, described as “gain-of-function,” has been linked directly to the potential laboratory origin of the pandemic.

Gabbard argued that the documents showed how officials within the intelligence community suppressed dissenting opinions, including those supporting the hypothesis of a laboratory origin for the virus. However, U.S. intelligence agencies have not reached a definitive conclusion regarding the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The documents also included statements from whistleblowers alleging that analysts who expressed alternative views on the origin of the coronavirus faced professional repercussions such as marginalization, career blocks, and pressure against their opinions. Some of these allegations were submitted for review to the Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community.

Anthony Fauci repeatedly denied the accusations that he had concealed the origins of the coronavirus or misled Congress. During his congressional hearing in 2024, he labeled the claims as "absurd." He acknowledged that both natural origins and laboratory accidents remain plausible explanations for the emergence of the virus, although he believes the available evidence points more toward natural transmission, albeit incomplete. Despite this, the U.S. intelligence agencies have yet to reach a conclusive determination on whether the virus originated in a laboratory or through natural means.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan at the end of 2019. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in March 2020. The global impact of the pandemic has been immense, with estimates suggesting over seven million deaths worldwide and significant disruptions to public health, economies, and societies. The relationship between Fauci and former President Donald Trump was particularly strained during the pandemic. As a leading epidemiologist, Fauci advocated for strict public health measures, while Trump downplayed the severity of the crisis and pushed for rapid economic reopening. Fauci later admitted that collaboration with Trump’s administration was extremely challenging due to political pressures.

Gabbard’s release of the documents marked her final act as director of the U.S. intelligence community. Previously a Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and switched to the Republican Party in 2024, Gabbard announced her departure from the position citing her husband’s health issues. However, speculation suggested that the real reason for her resignation might relate to the war in Iran initiated by Trump, as Gabbard had previously been one of the strongest opponents of military action in Iran. Her decision to resign came amid ongoing debates and investigations into the origins of the pandemic, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious discourse surrounding the virus’s emergence.