Since the early stages of the wuhanvirus outbreak in China, reports and comments from US and western journalists and government officials have raised concerns that the virus may have originated from the Virology Institute in Wuhan.
Recently sources told Fox news that the virus indeed originated from this Wuhan laboratory as part of China's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States.
The "patient zero" of the virus reportedly worked at the laboratory, and spread it from there to the population in Wuhan. Initial report that the virus originated from the wet market in Wuhan, was an effort by China to deflect blame from the laboratory.
Responding to the Fox news report during the Wuhanvirus briefing at the White house Wednesday, President Trump said, "I don't wanna say that ... but I'll tell you, more and more we're hearing the story...we are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation."
Trump however demurred when asked if he had discussed the laboratory with President Xi of China. "I don't wanna discuss what I talked to him about the laboratory. I just don't wanna discuss it, it's inappropriate right now."
U.S. Embassy officials in China warned in January 2018 about inadequate safety at the Wuhan Institute and passed on information about scientists conducting risky research on coronavirus from bats.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, on Tuesday said: "It should be no surprise to you that we have taken a keen interest in that and we've had a lot of intelligence take a hard look at that. I would just say at this point, it's inconclusive, although the weight of evidence seems to indicate natural, but we don't know for certain."
U.S. senator Ted Cruz also raised concerns last month, about the virology Institute.