CIA Report Suggests COVID-19 Likely Originated from Lab but Cites Low Confidence

A newly declassified CIA assessment suggests the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a Chinese laboratory. However, the agency assigned “low confidence” to its conclusion, citing insufficient evidence. The report, requested by the Biden administration and former CIA Director William Burns, was declassified by Trump-appointed CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

The analysis found no new intelligence but drew on existing data about the virus’s spread, scientific characteristics, and conditions in Chinese virology labs. While the lab-leak theory gained attention, the CIA acknowledged that both natural and lab-related origins remain plausible. Chinese authorities have denied cooperation with international investigations into the virus’s origins.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, supported the lab-leak theory and urged accountability from China. Despite these findings, many scientists maintain that the virus likely originated in animals, with Wuhan’s live animal markets playing a key role.