Tulsi Gabbard released previously unseen communications and documents on June 19, 2026, her final day as Director of National Intelligence, alleging that Dr. Anthony Fauci provided millions of US taxpayer dollars to fund gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology [1, 2, 3].
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) stated that Fauci, while leading the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), oversaw funding for bat coronavirus gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab [1, 2]. Gabbard accused Fauci of working with politicized intelligence officials to suppress information about the virus’s lab leak origins and misleading Congress under oath in 2024 [1, 2]. On the day of the release, Gabbard said, "Today, on my final day as director of national intelligence, I'm releasing never-before-seen communications and documents exposing how Dr Fauci provided millions in US taxpayer dollars to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab, worked with politicized elements within the Intelligence Community to suppress the truth about his actions and hide the virus' lab-leak origins, and lied to Congress while under oath in 2024. It's time you know the truth" [1]. She also commented, "The COVID-19 pandemic caused tremendous hardship and pain for millions of our fellow Americans and for countless people around the world. After years of lies, censorship, and cover-ups, the American people deserve transparency, truth, and accountability" [2].
Fauci denied the allegations, calling the claims "preposterous" during a June 2024 congressional hearing when he faced questions about funding and virus origins [2]. US intelligence agencies have not reached a definitive conclusion on whether COVID-19 emerged naturally or leaked from a lab, and the newly released documents have not been independently verified [2].
The release comes as Bill Pulte prepares to assume the role of acting Director of National Intelligence following Gabbard’s departure [3]. Pulte has faced bipartisan criticism for his lack of intelligence experience and concerns his tenure could politicize or weaponize the intelligence community. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, "We don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there" [3]. Meanwhile, President Trump’s nominee for permanent ODNI director, Jay Clayton, remains stalled in Senate confirmation due to ongoing political disputes [3].
Gabbard's release marks a dramatic final act in her tenure as DNI. Pulte is set to take over the office amid controversy and scrutiny over his readiness and political tensions. Congressional and political debates over the intelligence community’s direction are expected to continue in the coming weeks [3].
