Former CDC Director Robert Redfield expressed disappointment with Dr. Anthony Fauci's approach to investigating the origins of COVID-19 in a recent interview on Fox News. Redfield linked Fauci's perceived disinterest in uncovering the truth to his support for gain-of-function research, a practice Redfield strongly opposes.

During the "America Reports" interview, Redfield reacted to Fauci's earlier comments suggesting the world may never know the pandemic's true origins. Redfield believes Fauci's stance is rooted in his advocacy for gain-of-function research, a controversial area of study involving manipulating viruses to enhance their transmissibility or virulence.

Dr. Anthony Fauci is accompanied by Stephen Colbert to receive his COVID-19 booster shot on October 5, 2022.  (CBS)

Redfield highlighted a recent report suggesting three Wuhan Institute of Virology scientists involved in gain-of-function research were among the first individuals infected with COVID-19. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating both the lab leak and natural origin hypotheses, expressing disappointment that a singular narrative of natural spillover quickly dominated the discourse. Redfield criticized the silencing of dissenting voices who favored exploring the lab leak theory, emphasizing that open debate is crucial to scientific inquiry.

Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team investigating the origins of the COVID-19 coronavirus, arrive at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, in Chinas central Hubei province on February 3, 2021. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Redfield stressed the urgency of understanding the pandemic's origins to implement necessary limitations on gain-of-function research, believing it played a significant role in the current crisis. He warned of the potential for future pandemics, possibly involving avian viruses, and advocated for curtailing gain-of-function research as the best defense against such threats.