Fauci, Top U.S. General Throw Cold Water On Trump’s Coronavirus Claim

TOPLINE

Two high ranking government officials — Dr. Anthony Fauci and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley — pumped the brakes on the controversial theory COVID-19 originated in a lab in Wuhan, China, even as President Trump and other administration officials rally around the claim without any public evidence. 

KEY FACTS

Crucial quote

Milley added there was still not “conclusive evidence” as to whether or not the virus was accidentally or deliberately released in Wuhan, China, but that “the weight of evidence is that it was probably not intentional.”

Chief critic

A Chinese newspaper controlled by the government came out forcefully against Pompeo’s claims. In an editorial, the newspaper wrote Monday that Pompeo had “stunned the world with groundless accusations.” 

“Since Pompeo said his claims are supported by ‘enormous evidence,’ then he should present this so-called evidence to the world, and especially to the American public who he continually tries to fool,” the editorial said. 

Key background

The idea of a lab-leaked virus bubbled up in February among conservative media—including Fox News—and right-wing lawmakers, including Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who has been one of the most vocal proponents of the theory. But the claim the virus originated in a lab has gained new life in recent weeks with reports that officials inside the government were investigating the claim. Last week, the New York Times reported that senior Trump administration officials, led by Pompeo, have pushed U.S. spy agencies to dig up evidence supporting the lab theory even though most intelligence agencies remain skeptical of the lab claim. While officials and many scientists say the theory is technically possible, no public evidence has emerged to support the claim. 

Further reading

Dr. Fauci again dismisses Wuhan lab as source of coronavirus (CBS News) 

Report: Trump Officials Pressured Spy Agencies To Link Covid Outbreak To Wuhan Lab (Forbes)

Pompeo: ‘Enormous Evidence’ Linking Wuhan Lab To Covid Outbreak (Forbes)

Trump Claims To Have Seen Evidence Linking Coronavirus To Wuhan Lab After Intelligence Chief Says Virus Not Manmade (Forbes)

The Controversial Rumor COVID-19 Originated In A Wuhan Lab Creeps Into The GOP Mainstream (Forbes)

Trump Officials Are Said to Press Spies to Link Virus and Wuhan Labs (New York Times NYT)

Republicans See Attacking China As A Winning Strategy (Forbes)

A Virologist Explains Why It Is Unlikely COVID-19 Escaped From A Lab (Forbes)

No, COVID-19 Coronavirus Was Not Bioengineered. Here’s The Research That Debunks That Idea (Forbes)

Chinese lab conducted extensive research on deadly bat viruses, but there is no evidence of accidental release (Washington Post)