Covid.gov now points to a ‘lab leak’ conspiracy website

The Verge - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on The Verge

The government website Covid.gov, which previously provided information about the Covid-19 pandemic, now redirects to a page that promotes conspiracy theories regarding the virus's origins. The site features a 'Lab Leak' banner and an image of Donald Trump, redirecting users to content blaming a Chinese laboratory for the outbreak and suggesting that the Biden administration misled the public about the virus's origins. This shift was first noted by Wired's Andrew Couts, and it affects both Covid.gov and Covidtests.gov, which previously offered access to free Covid-19 tests.

This development appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to alter or remove federal web content that conflicts with its views. Since February, the administration has targeted information related to climate change, racial equity, and gender identity, often including disclaimers or removing content altogether. This latest change to Covid.gov, which now links to a House Oversight Committee report supporting the lab leak theory, highlights ongoing tensions over the narrative surrounding Covid-19's origins and the role of political influence in shaping public information resources.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article addresses a timely and highly relevant topic, focusing on the alleged redirection of government websites to promote controversial theories about the origins of COVID-19. It has the potential to engage readers and influence public opinion by highlighting issues of government transparency and information dissemination. However, the story lacks balance and corroboration, as it primarily presents one perspective without providing alternative viewpoints or sufficient evidence to support its claims. The reliance on a single source and the absence of official statements or responses from involved parties limit the article's credibility. Additionally, the lack of transparency regarding the methodology and evidence behind the claims weakens the overall accuracy of the story. Despite these weaknesses, the article remains relevant to public interest and has the potential to provoke meaningful discussions about government communication and public trust.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story makes several claims that require verification, such as the redirection of Covid.gov to a site promoting the lab leak theory and the inclusion of a banner with Donald Trump's photo. These claims are specific and verifiable, which adds to the story's potential accuracy. However, the article lacks corroboration from multiple sources, which is necessary to confirm these claims. Additionally, the assertion that the Biden administration misled the public and that the WHO was pressured by the Chinese government are serious allegations requiring substantial evidence, which the article does not provide. The lack of direct evidence or citations weakens the factual accuracy of these claims.

4
Balance

The article predominantly presents one perspective, focusing on the alleged redirection of government websites and the promotion of conspiracy theories. It does not provide alternative viewpoints or responses from the entities involved, such as the government or the organizations accused of spreading misinformation. This lack of balance can lead to a skewed understanding of the issue, as readers are not exposed to a full spectrum of perspectives. The absence of official statements or rebuttals from the accused parties contributes to an imbalanced presentation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it relatively easy to follow. The claims are presented in a straightforward manner, and the narrative flows logically from one point to the next. However, the use of terms like 'conspiracy theory' without further explanation or evidence might confuse readers unfamiliar with the context. Overall, while the article is clear, it could benefit from additional explanations to ensure readers fully understand the implications of the claims.

5
Source quality

The article references a Wired journalist and an archived version of a webpage, which suggests some level of source credibility. However, it lacks a diversity of sources and does not cite any official government statements or independent expert analyses. The reliance on a single journalist's observation without further corroboration from authoritative sources limits the reliability of the information. The story would benefit from a broader range of sources to enhance its credibility.

5
Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methods used to verify the claims made, nor does it explain the basis for some of the more serious allegations. There is a lack of transparency regarding the evidence supporting the claims about website redirection and the alleged actions of the Trump administration. Providing more context and explaining the methodology behind the claims would improve transparency and help readers better understand the basis of the article's assertions.

Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/18424/
  2. https://oversight.house.gov/release/covid-origins-hearing-wrap-up-facts-science-evidence-point-to-a-wuhan-lab-leak%EF%BF%BC/
  3. https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2253
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/13645/
  5. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2025/02/18/covid-19-how-a-group-of-amateur-investigators-pushed-the-lab-leak-theory_6738298_8.html