White House Launches New COVID-19 Website Emphasizing Lab Leak Theory
Washington: In a significant shift of narrative, the White House on Friday unveiled a revamped COVID-19 website that prominently promotes the theory that the virus leaked from a laboratory in China, framing it as the pandemic’s “true origins.”
This new iteration of the COVID.gov website, which previously focused on disseminating vaccine and testing information, features a full-length image of former President Donald Trump and criticizes the pandemic policies put in place by Joe Biden’s administration.
The site takes aim at Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical advisor to President Biden, for supporting what the site describes as the “preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally.” It lists several points intended to support the lab leak theory, highlighting that Wuhan—the city where the first COVID-19 case was identified—is home to China’s leading SARS research laboratory and has conducted experiments with inadequate biosafety measures.
‘By nearly all measures of science, if there was evidence of a natural origin it would have already surfaced. But it hasn’t.’
The lab leak theory, once dismissed as conspiracy, has gained traction in the United States. This resurgence occurs even as the scientific community remains divided; U.S. agencies like the FBI and Department of Energy have indicated support for the theory, but with varying degrees of confidence.
Earlier this year, the CIA adjusted its view on the origin of the virus, suggesting that a laboratory leak is “more likely” than animal transmission. This conclusion has faced criticism from China, which insists it is “extremely unlikely” that COVID-19 originated from a lab and has accused the U.S. of politicizing the origin investigation.
The tense U.S.-China relationship is further strained by a trade conflict, with recent announcements including new port fees for ships linked to China and increased tariffs on Chinese goods.
The newly designed website not only aims to influence public perception regarding COVID-19 origins but also criticizes COVID-related mandates, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, which were implemented at the pandemic’s onset. Animated maps of Wuhan have been added to draw attention.
Additionally, the section labeled “COVID-19 misinformation” accuses previous public health officials of demonizing alternative treatments and collaborating with social media to suppress dissenting opinions, claims often echoed by U.S. conservatives.
Despite these claims, the Biden administration has countered accusations of suppressing conservative perspectives.
This change to the COVID.gov website follows recent layoffs at major U.S. health agencies, part of a sweeping restructuring initiated by the Trump administration that aims to cut 10,000 jobs. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that these layoffs are part of a substantial reform focused on chronic disease prevention.
As the pandemic continues, COVID-19 has resulted in the deaths of over one million individuals in the United States alone and significantly affected populations worldwide.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
