Trump Order Halts Controversial 'Gain-of-Function' Research Funding

An executive order bans U.S. funding for controversial pathogen experiments abroad, citing lab-leak fears. Scientists debate whether the move bolsters biosecurity or hampers pandemic preparedness.

Supporters of restricting "gain-of-function" experiments argue such measures reduce the risk of a lab-generated pandemic. Opponents say overly broad limits could impede critical discoveries in virology. Photo by benjamin lehman on Unsplash

White House Cites Biosecurity Threat

President Trump just signed an executive order that restricts federal funding for “gain-of-function” research – experiments that modify pathogens to make them more transmissible or virulent (npr.org).

The White House argues the step is necessary to prevent lab-made outbreaks, pointing to the theory that a lab leak in Wuhan, China, might have sparked the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the order, U.S. government money cannot be used for such high-risk research in “countries of concern” like China and Iran, or other places with lax oversight. Officials say the policy will improve biosecurity and “ensure research is conducted safely.”

Scientists Divided on This Potentially Dangerous Research

What Opponents of Gain of Function Research Say

Advocates of the funding curbs, including some biosecurity experts, applaud the move as a long-awaited step to reduce the risk of a man-made pandemic. Marc Lipsitch, of Harvard University states that the risks of this type of research are not worth the potential gains—which aren’t as great as advocates suggest.

What Proponents of Gain of Function Research Say

Many scientists and public health experts are raising concerns about the blanket funding ban. They note that some evidence indicates COVID-19 emerged via natural spillover, not a lab accident. Critics warn that an outright moratorium could stifle vital research needed to detect and counter the next pandemic.

“If we ban it, the next time another COVID virus comes through we won’t have the data to quickly find new treatments, screening and even preventative measures,” according to Kristin Matthews, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Rather than halting all gain-of-function studies, some in the research community favor tighter oversight and safety protocols to balance innovation with security.

---

To continue reading about the broader context behind this move – including how previous administrations handled risky research and what experts say it means for future pandemic preparedness – please subscribe.