A legislative hearing on foreign funding and national security took a controversial turn when Republican Rep. John Gillette questioned whether Arizona State University (ASU) may have indirectly funded the creation of COVID-19. During the hearing, Gillette accused ASU of funding defense-relevant research and exposing our secrets to the People's Republic of China through the university. He also questioned the Arizona Board of Regents' ability to properly vet foreign money. Despite these claims, Democratic lawmakers have condemned the remarks and called for fact-based discussion. The university has not responded to the allegations.