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The Havana Hangover

After years of denials, Washington is finally reckoning with new reporting that would seem to confirm the existence of the alleged Russian directed-energy weapon that causes Havana syndrome—or what the U.S. government now calls “anomalous health incidents.” But will Tulsi Gabbard be allowed to release the O.D.N.I.’s own findings?

Tulsi Gabbard
For months, I’ve been hearing that Tulsi Gabbard, the conspiracy-loving director of national intelligence, has embraced the cause. What better angle for Gabbard than blowing open a deep state, Biden-era cover-up? Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Julia Ioffe
January 15, 2026

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Earlier this week, Sasha Ingber broke the news on her Substack that the U.S. government had acquired a weapon last year that is being tested as a possible cause of the mysterious ailment once known as Havana syndrome. CNN, citing four sources briefed on the matter, quickly matched Ingber’s reporting, adding that the U.S. purchased the device for “eight figures.” According to one of those sources, the device is small enough to fit in a backpack.