Tulsi Gabbard withdraws Biden administration’s conclusions on Havana Syndrome

Gabbard Retracts Controversial Assessments on Havana Syndrome

Outgoing Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has rescinded two contentious evaluations linked to the Biden administration. These assessments concluded that Havana syndrome—a mysterious illness affecting U.S. personnel—was unlikely the result of foreign attacks.

In a memo to Congressional leaders, Gabbard’s office criticized these intelligence reports for selectively omitting evidence and mischaracterizing sources. The memo claimed that certain crucial details regarding the quality of sources were left out and indicated reliance on “ethically flawed medical research.”

The two assessments, which had a declassified version released in 2016, suggested in their evaluations that it was “very unlikely” that a foreign adversary was responsible for the anomalous health incidents (AHIs) reported by numerous U.S. intelligence and diplomatic staff since 2016.

The evaluations indicated that pre-existing medical conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors were likely culprits instead.

Recently, the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee urged the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to retract a study from the Biden administration, citing growing evidence that microwave weapons could be linked to this illness.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-Arkansas) welcomed Gabbard’s decision, calling it a positive development for the AHI victim community and the integrity of the analysis. He voiced strong sentiments regarding the prior assessments, labeling them “flawed” and “fabricated,” asserting they had caused significant harm to many brave individuals.

Crawford further claimed the assessments were purposefully designed to discredit some of these individuals and obstruct their access to necessary healthcare.

Gabbard, whose actions today may provide a glimmer of hope for countless affected, stated that future assessments on Havana Syndrome would adhere to high ethical standards, involve an array of experts, and utilize all available information.

The symptoms of Havana syndrome differ among those affected but often include ear pain, memory issues, fatigue, migraines, and dizziness. Since the first noted cases among U.S. diplomats in Cuba in 2016, over 1,500 cases have surfaced globally.

Prior reports suggested internal U.S. intelligence agencies considered the possibility of an internal Russian attack being a factor.

In an intriguing twist, it was revealed that in 2024, undercover U.S. agents acquired a microwave weapon from a Russian criminal network for about $15 million. This was part of a Department of Defense initiative aimed at investigating the origins of Havana Syndrome. The weapon, which was tested in military labs, reportedly inflicted neurological damage similar to that observed in those experiencing Havana syndrome.

As Gabbard prepares to conclude her tenure next week—an emotional transition as she attends to her husband battling cancer—this retraction might stand as one of her last significant acts as DNI.

President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Administrator, to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Additionally, earlier in the day, Trump indicated his intent to nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, for the permanent DNI role.