Trump's COVID website promotes controversial lab leak theory
The federal COVID-19 website, once dedicated to providing crucial health information, has been revamped to promote the lab leak theory as the origin of the pandemic.
A federal website that once provided information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments has recently undergone a significant transformation. The covid.gov site now features content promoting the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a lab in Wuhan, China.
The updated site now highlights claims regarding the Wuhan Institute of Virology's research practices and suggest that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, pushed a narrative about COVID-19's natural origins.
Trump's administration changes the narrative about COVID-19 pandemic
The federal website has been transformed in to a page of supporting the theory that the pandemic originated with a lab leak. Additionally, the page mentions that Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first began spreading, is home to a research lab with a history of conducting virus research with "inadequate biosafety levels".
The updated covid.gov site features an image of former President Donald Trump between the words “lab” and “leak” under a White House header. Furthermore, the website also criticizes Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for promoting a “preferred narrative” that COVID-19 emerged naturally.
Scientist experts reveal that the origins of COVID have never been proven. Experts are still uncertain whether the virus originated from an animal, as other viruses have, or resulted from a lab accident. A 2023 U.S. intelligence report concluded that there was not enough evidence to confirm either theory.
Although it’s common for government websites to be updated with each new administration, this recent change has been more significant than usual. Public health data has been removed, particularly concerning transgender issues. The Pentagon also deleted images thought to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Previously, the covid.gov site provided guidance on how to order free COVID tests, stay up to date with vaccines, and receive timely treatment if infected. It also offered information on long COVID.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 325 Americans have died from COVID-19 weekly over the past month. As of April 5, fewer than 25% of adults in the U.S. have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Millions globally continue to experience long COVID symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog.