IC Oversight & Authorities — 2026-05-14

DNI Gabbard Launches Investigation of 120 U.S.-Funded Foreign Biolabs Including 40 in Ukraine

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on May 13 ordered ODNI to investigate more than 120 U.S.-funded biological laboratories in over 30 countries, including Ukraine, federal officials confirmed to Newsweek. ODNI said the labs conducted research on "hazardous and highly contagious pathogens," potentially including gain-of-function work, and that clinical trials at the facilities raise "significant ethical, financial and security concerns." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Newsweek the prior administration "bankrolled dangerous gain-of-function research and foreign biolabs with American tax dollars, then deliberately hid it." Gregory Koblentz, director of the biodefense graduate program at George Mason University, told Newsweek the investigation is predicated on "Russian and Chinese propaganda" and that ODNI should instead be focused on Russia's "significant chemical and biological weapons threat."

Analysis
The investigation's structure, ordered against an executive backdrop that already bans gain-of-function funding abroad, points toward political validation of prior claims rather than novel intelligence collection, per a single Newsweek report with no independent corroboration from downstream outlets. Hegseth's accusation that the prior administration deliberately concealed gain-of-function research marks a rhetorical escalation from Gabbard's initial disclosure. Koblentz's characterization of the inquiry as adversary-propaganda-driven carries independent credibility risk in multilateral biosecurity forums regardless of its domestic utility. Public release of findings before September 2026 is unlikely: four months is insufficient for a credible 120-lab, 30-country review, and ODNI rarely surfaces sensitive investigative outputs publicly. Continued silence leaves Congress without a formal accountability trigger.

4 sources

US taxpayer-funded biolabs in Ukraine? Trump admin investigates - Newsweek
Tulsi Gabbard Launches Investigation on 120 US-Funded Biolabs - Dozens Located in Ukraine - The Western Journal
Vindicated? Gabbard probes the biolabs Romney called her a traitor for mentioning. - The Blaze
Obvious Dangers: Gabbard Probing US Funding To International Biolabs - ZeroHedge