Trump Signed an Executive Order Limiting Infectious Disease Research

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the new limits on “gain-of-function” research. Scientists have warned the move could have a chilling effect.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters.
AP

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday restricting some forms of infectious disease research, a decision that some in the president’s circle say is necessary to reduce the chances of a virus “lab leak.”

Many scientists, though, say that such a restriction will have a chilling effect on research that helps the U.S. combat infectious diseases.

In remarks given in the Oval Office, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that the executive order, which places restrictions on both public and private research into so-called “gain-of-function” research into viruses and other infectious pathogens, was necessary to end a “bioweapons arms race.”