Claim: Is it true that Trump released an Executive Order that Restricts ‘Gain of Function’ Research on Pathogens?

Based on what we could find, the claim that President Trump released an Executive Order restricting gain-of-function research on pathogens is definitively true. The strongest evidence comes from official statements and mainstream news outlets detailing the specifics of the order, which aims to enhance safety and security by restricting federal funding for such research in countries with insufficient oversight. The Executive Order signed by Trump specifically targets gain-of-function research, which involves enhancing pathogens to better understand their potential for causing pandemics. This move is part of broader efforts to protect Americans from lab accidents and biosecurity incidents, as highlighted by sources like The White House and Axios. However, there are limitations and exceptions to consider in this context. Critics argue that such restrictions could impede scientific progress and global collaboration, emphasizing the importance of gain-of-function research for understanding and combating pandemics. This perspective is supported by publications like The Lancet and Nature Microbiology.