SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

CIA changes its mind about the origin of COVID

CIA changes stance on the origin of covid-19. The virus spread from a laboratory in the city of Wuhan in China, according to the US intelligence agency in a statement.

» Published: January 25 2025

CIA changes its mind about the origin of COVID
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP/TT

The CIA is thus going against its own previous assessment, namely that the virus was not genetically modified when it spread and was not treated in a laboratory – a conclusion that was made public in 2023.

The organization adds, however, that the "reliability is low" for the conclusion, which, according to assessors, indicates that the evidence is incomplete or contradictory.

The new stance is not based on new information, according to the CIA. Instead of new evidence, the new stance is based on new analyses of the work at virological laboratories in China.

Previous reports on the origin of COVID-19 have been divided between claims that the virus originated in a laboratory and spread, intentionally or not, and that it originated naturally, likely from bats.

The CIA continues to evaluate both theories about the coronavirus pandemic, assuming that both are possible.

The CIA will continue to evaluate all available and credible reports or other open information that could cause the CIA to change its opinion, says a spokesperson to AP.

The report that forms the basis for the change of opinion was completed at the request of former President Joe Biden's government. It was released, however, only two days after Donald Trump's man John Radcliffe succeeded Biden's CIA chief William Burns.

Radcliffe, who was the intelligence chief under Trump's previous time in the White House, has previously said that he believes in the laboratory theory.

The only theory supported by science, intelligence, and common sense, he said in 2023.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Space Capsule Arrives for Stranded Astronauts

Space Capsule Arrives for Stranded Astronauts

Flashed His Backside on the Wall – Kicked Out of China

Flashed His Backside on the Wall – Kicked Out of China

Rubio in talks with Lavrov about "the next step"

Rubio in talks with Lavrov about "the next step"

Kellogg Sidelined After Russian Complaint

Kellogg Sidelined After Russian Complaint

Trump invokes war law to deport cartel members

Trump invokes war law to deport cartel members

Trump Silences Voice of America

Trump Silences Voice of America

Demands for ceasefire ahead of talks in Congo-Kinshasa

Demands for ceasefire ahead of talks in Congo-Kinshasa

The Pope Recovers - Plans for 2028

The Pope Recovers - Plans for 2028

At least 13 dead in US airstrikes in Yemen

At least 13 dead in US airstrikes in Yemen

Dozens of Civilians Reported Killed in Myanmar

Dozens of Civilians Reported Killed in Myanmar

Unexpectedly High Rise in Sea Level

Unexpectedly High Rise in Sea Level

EU's Rift with the US – an Opportunity for China

EU's Rift with the US – an Opportunity for China

Authorities in Gaza: Israel killed nine people

Authorities in Gaza: Israel killed nine people

Ten dead in explosion in Syria

Ten dead in explosion in Syria

Telegram CEO allowed to temporarily leave France

Telegram CEO allowed to temporarily leave France

Zelensky: Forces in Kursk not surrounded

Zelensky: Forces in Kursk not surrounded

Unity at the Ukraine Meeting: We're Not Waiting for Putin

Unity at the Ukraine Meeting: We're Not Waiting for Putin

Ukraine: Large drone and robot attack tonight

Ukraine: Large drone and robot attack tonight

Testimonies from Gaza: Children walk around without shoes

Testimonies from Gaza: Children walk around without shoes

Musk: Then the First Ship Lifts Off to Mars

Musk: Then the First Ship Lifts Off to Mars

Trump on the 24-hour promise: "I was a bit sarcastic"

Trump on the 24-hour promise: "I was a bit sarcastic"

Tech giants want to train AI on protected material

Tech giants want to train AI on protected material

Urination in the Hot Pot Gave Free Food to Thousands

Urination in the Hot Pot Gave Free Food to Thousands

New Power Outage Paralyzes Cuba

New Power Outage Paralyzes Cuba

Dog shoots owner in USA - "got stuck"

Dog shoots owner in USA - "got stuck"

Starmer: Putin is not serious about peace

Starmer: Putin is not serious about peace

Rescue of Stranded Astronauts Initiated

Rescue of Stranded Astronauts Initiated

South Africa's Ambassador Expelled from the USA

South Africa's Ambassador Expelled from the USA

The Senate Approves Budget – Prevents Shutdown

The Senate Approves Budget – Prevents Shutdown

Captain suspected of causing another person's death

Captain suspected of causing another person's death

Universities in the USA investigated for racism against whites

Universities in the USA investigated for racism against whites

British Man in Kenya Killed by President's Motorcade

British Man in Kenya Killed by President's Motorcade

Greenlandic party leaders on Trump: "Unacceptable"

Greenlandic party leaders on Trump: "Unacceptable"

Saab Robot to Ukraine – Again

Saab Robot to Ukraine – Again

UN: Russia has committed crimes against humanity

UN: Russia has committed crimes against humanity

Carney new Prime Minister in Canada

Carney new Prime Minister in Canada

G7 warns Russia – may introduce new sanctions

G7 warns Russia – may introduce new sanctions

Iraq: High-ranking IS leader killed

Iraq: High-ranking IS leader killed

Source: UN agency lays off every fifth employee

Source: UN agency lays off every fifth employee

Teenager sentenced to terror - became a Nazi online

Teenager sentenced to terror - became a Nazi online