Gabbard Declassifies Biolab Records Covering 120+ Facilities, June 15

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released declassified intelligence on June 12 showing the U.S. government funded more than 120 biological laboratories across over 30 countries. The disclosure includes details on Ukrainian facilities that received U.S. funding and housed dangerous pathogens. The release comes as Gabbard prepares to leave office and marks a shift in how the government handles information about overseas biolab operations.

What the Declassified Documents Reveal

The declassified records show more than 40 laboratories in Ukraine received U.S. funding and housed collections of dangerous bacteria and viruses, including anthrax, tuberculosis, plague, Ebola, Marburg, MERS and SARS. Ukrainian scientists received U.S.-funded training to work with hazardous pathogens. The documents identify engineering firm Black & Veatch as a major contractor and show U.S. taxpayers spent between $1.7 million and $3.5 million on individual laboratory projects across Ukraine, including facilities in Kherson, Odesa and western Ukraine.

Years of Dismissal and Reversal

Gabbard drew criticism for raising concerns about U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Critics accused her of echoing Russian narratives, while supporters argued legitimate questions about lab activities were unfairly dismissed. In a video statement, Gabbard said declassified records validate concerns previously dismissed as misinformation. She stated that evidence about the labs’ existence, history, locations and funding had been intentionally covered up.

Broader Global Network and Research Concerns

The disclosure goes beyond Ukrainian facilities. Intelligence assessments identified a global network of U.S.-funded biological research facilities. Some labs conducted research involving gain-of-function studies, the controversial practice of modifying pathogens to study how they could become more transmissible or severe. At least one U.S.-funded lab in Ukraine was assessed to likely contain dangerous pathogens and remained vulnerable because of Russia’s invasion. The intelligence dump reopens questions about oversight of overseas pathogen research and public knowledge about these programs.

Timing and Successor Questions

Gabbard announced her departure from the DNI role after her husband contracted bone cancer. President Trump endorsed Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former Securities and Exchange Commission chair, as the next DNI. Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton introduced legislation to increase mandatory criminal penalties for individuals smuggling bioweapons into the United States, following Department of Justice charges against two National Institutes of Health researchers accused of bringing monkeypox vials from Africa.

Final Thoughts

The declassified biolab records mark a major reversal in official government transparency on overseas biological research. Investors and citizens should monitor how the new DNI handles biosecurity policy and whether Congress moves to strengthen oversight of future programs.

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