In a bold move to curb the risks of controversial scientific experiments, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that sharply restricts federal funding for gain-of-function research, a practice that modifies viruses to study their potential evolution.
The new policy halts U.S. support for such research abroad and introduces tougher oversight measures at home, marking a significant shift in the government’s approach to high-stakes biological studies.
Gain-of-function research has long been a lightning rod for debate.
Critics warn that tinkering with pathogens could lead to accidental leaks, potentially triggering global health crises. These fears gained traction amid speculation that similar experiments in Wuhan, China, may have contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, though no definitive evidence has confirmed this theory.
“Gain-of-function research risks catastrophic harm, with unanswered questions about its role in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Joseph Varon, President and Chief Medical Officer of the Independent Medical Alliance. “President Trump’s decisive action is a gain of common sense. It’s time to prioritize transparent, ethical science over dangerous experiments.”
The executive order responds to growing calls for caution.
David Mansdoerfer, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasized the need for vigilance: “Any research that could lead to the development and accidental release of a pandemic-level virus needs the highest level of scrutiny.”
However, some researchers fear the restrictions could stifle critical scientific progress. Kristin Matthews, a scholar at Rice University’s Baker Institute, told NPR, “If we ban it [gain-of-function research], the next time another COVID virus comes through, we won’t have the data to quickly find new treatments, screening and even preventative measures.”
The policy reflects a broader push to balance scientific innovation with public safety. By tightening regulations, the Trump administration aims to ensure that high-risk experiments are subject to rigorous scrutiny, prioritizing accountability and the protection of global health.