White House reviewing cases of missing, dead scientists for possible links as 11th person identified

This post was originally published on this site.

White House press secretaryKaroline Leavittsaid Friday the Trump administration is working with the FBI and other federal agencies to review a growing number of cases involving American scientists who have gone missing or died and to determine whether any of the cases may be connected.

“In light of the recent and legitimate questions about these troubling cases, and President Trump’s commitment to the truth, the White House is actively working with all relevant agencies and the FBI to holistically review all of the cases together and identify any potential commonalities that may exist,” Leavitt said in apost on X.

“No stone will be unturned in this effort, and the White House will provide updates when we have them.”

Leavitt’ Peter Doocy, who asked whether federal authorities were investigating reports thatscientists with access tosensitive U.S.research had gone missing or died.

MOST SHOCKING EXAMPLES OF CHINESE ESPIONAGE UNCOVERED BY THE US THIS YEAR: ‘JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG’

karoline leavitt speaking at press podium

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the James S.Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 15, 2026.(Reuters/Evan Vucci)

“There are now 10 American scientists who have either gone missing or died since mid-2024,” Doocy said.“They all reportedly had access to classified nuclear or aerospace material.Is anybody investigating this to see if these things are connected?”

Leavitt said at the time that she had seen the reports but had not yet spoken with the relevant agencies.

“I’ve seen the report, Peter.I haven’t spoken to our relevant agencies about it,” she said Wednesday.“I will certainly do that, and we’ll get you an answer.If true, of course, that’s definitely something I think this government and administration would deem worth looking into.”

Composite image of three scientists linked to reports of deaths or disappearances

Jason Thomas, Melissa Casias and Frank Maiwald are among scientists whose deaths or disappearances have drawn scrutiny as officials review whether any cases are connected.com)

The number of cases has since grown withan 11th scientist nowincluded among the deaths and disappearances involving people tied to U.S.military, nuclear and aerospace research.

Amy Eskridge, aCHINESE RESEARCHER ON US VISA CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING E.COLI INTO THE COUNTRY, FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL SAYS

PresidentDonald Trumpsaid Thursday he had “just left a meeting” on the issue and vowed answers within days, calling the situation “pretty serious.”

“I hope it’s random, but we’re going to know in the next week and a half,” Trump said.

TheDepartment of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration “is aware of reports related to employees of our labs, plants and sites and is looking into the matter,” the agency said in a statement.

F-1 engine displayed at George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville Alabama

An exhibit of the F-1 engine used in the space shuttle at the George C.Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.(Carol M.Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

Officials have not confirmed any connection between the cases.But the timing of the deaths and disappearances and the individuals’ ties to advanced research fields have drawn public attention and speculation.

There is no publicly available evidence linking Eskridge’s death to the other cases, and authorities have not indicated any tie between her work and the circumstances of her death.

You can send tips to michael.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.