Declassified CIA analysis on COVID origins favors lab leak theory

Jan. 29—WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released a statement in response to the newly declassified CIA analysis on the origins of COVID-19 favoring the lab leak theory.

“For over four years now, the complete truth about COVID-19 and its origins has been hidden from the American people. For over four years now, Republicans have been demanding answers and transparency from the federal government through the declassification of information relating to the origins of COVID, with no progress or answer. Thankfully, President Trump has ushered in a new day of transparency in America. Under his leadership, newly appointed CIA Director John Ratcliffe has taken swift action, declassifying the CIA analysis of the virus, which lo and behold, favors the lab leak theory. I find it ironic that the classified CIA analysis favors the same theory that people were labeled as conspiracy theorists for believing for years. This is yet another example of the egregious abuse of power by the Biden Administration…

“The COVID-19 pandemic ended lives, closed businesses, destroyed livelihoods, devastated our economy, and robbed families of years that could have been spent together. I am pleased that we now have a CIA Director who understands this gravity and desires to give the American people complete transparency from the federal government. To prevent the next pandemic, we must know how this one started, and Radcliffe’s decision to declassify this CIA analysis is a step in the right direction. I look forward to working with Director Radcliffe, and others in the Trump Administration, to ensure no more lies are forced on the American people.”

Following the Senate’s recent confirmation of John Ratcliffe, President Trump’s nominee for CIA Director, the CIA declassified the organization’s analysis on the origins of COVID-19, which favors the lab leak theory. Throughout his time in Congress, Pfluger has been a leading voice in demanding transparency and advocating for uncovering the truth about COVID-19’s origins for the American people.

— In 2022, Pfluger praised the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) for publishing their groundbreaking report on COVID-19 origins

— In March 2023, Pfluger spoke on the House Floor in support of S. 619, legislation requiring the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information about COVID-19’s origins, which was signed into law on March 20,2023

— In June 2023, Pfluger demanded that Biden must declassify all intelligence related to COVID-19

— In November of 2023, Pfluger introduced an amendment to hold NIH accountable and refund American taxpayers $3.7 million after the agency’s documented oversight failures of EcoHealth Alliance’s research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.