CIA Revises Covid Origins Assessment, Suggests Lab Leak Likely
The CIA has shifted its stance on the origins of Covid-19, now assessing with low confidence that the virus was likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory before becoming a global pandemic.
For years, the agency remained neutral on whether the virus emerged from human exposure to an infected animal or a lab-related incident. However, after reviewing existing intelligence, the CIA now suggests a research-related origin is more probable than a natural outbreak—though the agency admits its judgment remains uncertain.
Intelligence Agencies Remain Divided
The FBI and the Energy Department have previously supported the lab leak theory, while other agencies have leaned toward natural exposure as the likely cause. The CIA’s recent shift aligns it more with the FBI’s stance but does not introduce any new intelligence into the debate.
The review was reportedly ordered in the final weeks of the Biden administration and completed before President Trump’s inauguration. Outgoing CIA Director William Burns had urged analysts to take a stance rather than remain neutral.
New CIA Director John Ratcliffe, appointed by President Trump, has openly supported the lab leak theory. He emphasized the need for the agency to “get off the sidelines” and take a firm position on Covid’s origins.
Political and Global Repercussions
China has repeatedly denied allegations that Covid-19 originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, calling U.S. intelligence reports a politically motivated smear campaign. The Wuhan lab has faced scrutiny over its previous bat coronavirus research and alleged security lapses.
Ratcliffe has stressed the importance of providing President Trump with the best intelligence to confront China. He stated that if China’s actions contributed to the deaths of over a million Americans, the U.S. must hold it accountable.
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