Perhaps “gain of function” is not precise scientific terminology. Thuzs Fauci can deny many things about his connections to it. Another weasel-word possibility occurs when Fauci says that HE did not fund it. Of course not, taxpayer funds were used. They were also laundered through a non-profit, not sent directly to the Wuhan Lab.
The terminology denial is similar to the expression “partial birth abortion.” I have already heard a Biden administration official say that “partial birth abortion“ is not a scientifically defined procedure and then proceeded to say that the mother will make the best decision. His answer sounded like partial birth abortion is back on the table. Fake Catholic Biden cancelled a Trump executive order prohibiting the ghastly procedure.
The left controls the vocabulary on many things and many conservatives let them get away with it. I get some dirty looks when I correct lefties saying “pro choice” with “pro abortion”.