FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has expressed the agency’s ongoing examination of potential issues concerning the origin of the COVID-19 virus, including the possibility of a cover-up. The comments were made amid the detection of a new strain of the virus and underscore the FBI’s continued interest in the pandemic’s origins, though no formal investigation has been publicly announced. Bongino’s remarks contribute to the ongoing public debate, with the House Select Subcommittee persisting in its inquiry into whether early public health messaging may have downplayed the lab leak theory for political reasons. The FBI has not issued an official statement on the matter, and the scope of the review remains unclear.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has stated that the bureau is examining potential issues related to the origin of the COVID-19 virus, including concerns over a potential cover-up. The remarks were made in a post on X amid growing media attention on a newly identified strain of the virus. Bongino emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the American people deserve answers as a new strain emerges. However, the FBI has not issued an official statement confirming the existence of a formal investigation into the matter.
Bongino’s comments come as the agency continues to show interest in the origins of the pandemic, reflecting a broader public debate. While the FBI has not confirmed any specific individuals or entities under scrutiny, the remarks highlight the agency’s ongoing engagement with the issue. This follows previous statements from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who in 2023 assessed with moderate confidence that the virus most likely originated from a lab incident in Wuhan, China. Chinese authorities have consistently denied such claims, calling them politically motivated and unsubstantiated.
The emergence of a new strain, provisionally identified as NB.1.8.1, has added urgency to the discussions surrounding the virus’s origin. Federal health authorities have not designated it as a variant of concern, but its appearance in several U.S. states has raised questions about its potential impact. The FBI’s interest in the matter is further amplified by the continued inquiry of the House Select Subcommittee into whether early public health messaging may have downplayed the lab leak theory for diplomatic or political reasons.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former White House health advisor, has reiterated his denial of any efforts to conceal information, calling the allegations