A new U.S. defense bill expected to be signed by President Trump will mandate a government investigation into a conspiracy theory claiming the U.S. military bioengineered Lyme disease. The theory, prominently promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., asserts that the illness was deliberately created as a bioweapon.
The Established Science of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). The natural cycle involves ticks biting rodents, becoming carriers, and then spreading the bacteria to people. Crucially, ticks typically need to remain attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the disease effectively. This well-understood process contradicts the conspiracy theory.
Kennedy’s Claims and Congressional Action
Kennedy has publicly speculated that Lyme disease is “highly likely” to be a military weapon, as he stated on a 2024 podcast. This claim gained traction when Kennedy appeared with Republican Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, who authored the directive in the defense bill to formally investigate a potential military connection to the disease. Smith emphasized that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would have full authority to examine the issue: “GAO will be fully empowered to leave no stone unturned…they were weaponizing ticks.”
Rising Cases and Potential Contributing Factors
The CDC reports that Lyme disease diagnoses have surged in recent years, now reaching nearly half a million cases annually. While some attribute this increase to conspiracy theories, experts point to climate change, improved reporting practices, and shifting land use as more likely drivers of the rise. Warmer temperatures expand tick habitats, while better awareness leads to more diagnoses.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet commented on the bill.
This investigation reflects a growing trend of political scrutiny on unproven health theories, driven by high-profile figures. The probe could further fuel distrust in public health institutions or, conversely, debunk the conspiracy theory with conclusive evidence. The outcome will likely depend on whether the GAO finds credible evidence to support Kennedy’s claims.
