US President Donald Trump has launched a new website claiming the coronavirus likely originated in a lab in China. The site also criticises President Joe Biden, former health adviser Dr Anthony Fauci, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
It questions the effectiveness of social distancing, face masks, and lockdowns. These measures were widely used during the pandemic.
Earlier this year, President Trump began the process of withdrawing the US from the WHO. At the time, the US remained the organisation’s largest financial contributor.
He also ended government security for Dr Fauci, suggesting the doctor should arrange his own protection. This followed threats against Fauci related to his role in managing the COVID-19 response.
So far, President Biden, Dr Fauci, and the WHO have not responded to the claims made on the website.
In January, the CIA stated that a lab origin for COVID-19 appeared more likely than a natural one. However, it admitted low confidence in that assessment and said both theories remained plausible.
The Chinese government has rejected the lab leak theory. It says it supports research into the virus’s origin and has accused the US of politicising the investigation.
