Trump says 'we don't think' Russian plague is bioweapon
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the recent death of a Russian laboratory worker does not appear to be linked to a biological weapon. He noted that while Russia claims the situation is under control, he remains cautious due to a lack of transparency.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns regarding transparency in international biological safety protocols.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (October 8, 2026) that the death of a Russian plague laboratory worker did not appear to be linked to a biological weapon.
"We don't think so. We're going to find out soon enough, but we don't think so," Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if a "bio-weapon" was involved.
Russia warned earlier against "false" information as reports emerged of a second suspected case. The U.S. and UN have urged Russia to be more transparent.
Mr. Trump said Russia insisted it had the situation under control, but added that not much information was coming out.
"If you listen to them, it's under control. But you know, people have said that before about other things," Mr. Trump said of Moscow's response.
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