Biosafety Fears Prompt Trump Order Stopping Gain-of-Function Funds Overseas

President Trump’s executive order, signed on May 5, 2025, targets gain-of-function research in countries like China and Iran. It halts federal funding for studies that could make pathogens more transmissible or deadly in nations seen as having weak biosafety oversight. The move has ignited a firestorm of debate, with ripple effects for global health, scientific discovery, and national security.

Beyond defunding, the order directs agencies like the National Institutes of Health to pause ongoing high-risk projects. A new policy with strict reporting requirements is now in development. Many view this as a critical safeguard against lab leaks, a fear heightened by discussions about COVID-19’s origins. Others worry it could hinder research essential for preventing future pandemics.

Gain-of-function studies modify pathogens to study their potential evolution, often aiding vaccine development or tracking emerging threats. These experiments carry risks, as a lab mishap could release a dangerous virus. Historical cases, like the 1977 Russian flu, highlight such dangers. Still, the research has driven advances, including better flu vaccines and deeper knowledge of viral behavior.

U.S. funding for such work, often through the NIH, has long been subject to oversight. The 1970s Asilomar conference set early safety standards, followed by Institutional Biosafety Committees. A 2023 Office of Science and Technology Policy directive, effective this month, mandates risk-benefit reviews for all federally funded pathogen research, aiming to unify standards across agencies and eliminate exemptions for vaccine studies.

Certain policymakers champion the order, arguing that gain-of-function research abroad poses too great a risk. They cite concerns about lab leaks, like those speculated in Wuhan, and call for tight restrictions or outright bans. Their focus is on national security, emphasizing the need to prevent accidental or intentional misuse of enhanced pathogens.

Public health experts and scientists, by contrast, favor a balanced approach. They highlight the 2023 OSTP rules, which require thorough reviews, mitigation strategies, and public reporting. These advocates argue that carefully regulated gain-of-function research is crucial for tackling pandemics, such as the H5N1 outbreak impacting U.S. dairy farms. They caution that sweeping limits could delay vital vaccine development.

Targeting countries like China complicates international research ties. The Global Virus Network’s 2025 plan in The Lancet stresses open data sharing and unified efforts to avert pandemics. Halting U.S. funding abroad might disrupt these goals, especially if other nations scale back cooperation. Some suggest the U.S. could better strengthen global biosafety standards rather than withdrawing support.

Ethical questions also weigh heavily. Since the 1979 Belmont Report, biomedical research has prioritized beneficence, justice, and transparency. The 2025 Guide to Ethical Standards in Personalized Medicine underscores clear governance for high-risk studies. Public trust depends on honest communication and ensuring research benefits are shared equitably across populations.

This executive order paves the way for a major rethink of U.S. biosecurity policy. As agencies craft new rules, the gain-of-function debate will likely grow louder. Policymakers must weigh safety against the need for scientific breakthroughs. The Congressional Research Service’s 2025 report notes that private research, often unregulated, could weaken even the toughest federal policies.

The U.S. now faces a pivotal moment in shaping its approach to risky science. The order reflects deep concerns about lab safety and global threats, but it also highlights the challenge of preparing for pandemics in a connected world. Moving forward demands careful analysis, international collaboration, and a commitment to keeping research both secure and innovative.