Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, released hundreds of pages of previously undisclosed communications and internal documents on June 19, 2026. The documents suggest that Dr. Anthony Fauci influenced the intelligence community's investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding U.S.-funded research in China.
In a video statement, Gabbard accused Fauci of using his connections within the intelligence community to avoid scrutiny over U.S. funding of coronavirus research and to guide assessments towards a natural-origin explanation for the virus. She stated, "The COVID pandemic caused tremendous hardship and pain for millions of our fellow Americans and countless people around the world. Now, after years of lies and censorship and cover-ups, the American people deserve transparency, truth, and accountability."
The documents allege that Fauci used his role to steer intelligence agencies away from examining gain-of-function research conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Gabbard claimed that emails included in the release show that intelligence officials relied heavily on Fauci's recommendations and discounted dissenting views.
Gabbard also accused Fauci of providing false testimony to Congress regarding his communications with intelligence agencies about COVID-19. She stated that whistleblowers indicated analysts who supported the lab-leak theory faced retaliation and intimidation.
The document release coincides with a leadership change at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, with Bill Pulte expected to take over as acting director. Pulte has reportedly requested a list of all employees as he considers potential staffing changes.