Trump Signs Executive Order on Gain-of-Function Research

On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting gain-of-function research. This type of research involves intentionally modifying viruses and pathogens to make them more transmissible or harmful.

The administration has expressed concerns about the potential risks, particularly the possibility of another pandemic arising from such practices. They highlight that dangerous gain-of-function research could put American lives at significant risk.

“If left unrestricted, this research could lead to widespread mortality, disrupt public health systems, and threaten economic and national security,” the order states.

Supporters of the restrictions argue that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 15 million lives worldwide, strengthens the case for halting this kind of research. There are indications that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may have originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology—a key site for gain-of-function studies on bat coronaviruses.

The order prohibits any U.S. funding for gain-of-function research in “countries of concern,” including China and Iran. It also aims to stop American funds from supporting foreign research that might lead to another pandemic.

According to the order, “My administration will balance the prevention of catastrophic consequences while ensuring readiness against biological threats and promoting leadership in biotechnology and health research.”

This directive resembles a funding moratorium on gain-of-function research established by President Barack Obama in 2014.

The Biden administration is said to have allowed gain-of-function research without adequate oversight. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health under Biden approved federal life-science research funding in countries with limited U.S. oversight.

The order raises alarms about the reckless proliferation of pathogen research in environments lacking proper safeguards, especially following the lessons from COVID-19.