The U.S. government has dropped its case against Dr. Eithan Haim, a Texas physician and self-described whistleblower, who was accused of illegally accessing and leaking medical records related to transgender care for minors. The decision comes just days after President Donald Trump’s return to office and has sparked renewed debate over the treatment of transgender youth and government policies on LGBTQ rights.
Doctor Accused of Leaking Sensitive Records
Dr. Haim, a Dallas-based surgeon who briefly worked at Texas Children’s Hospital during his residency, was indicted in June 2023 for violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Prosecutors alleged that Haim reactivated his hospital login credentials to access and leak private medical records of children receiving transgender care.
Haim claimed to be a whistleblower, aiming to expose the hospital’s gender-affirming care program. He was scheduled to face trial on February 10, 2025.
Legal Case Dropped After Trump’s Return
Following Trump’s return to the White House, federal prosecutors in Houston dismissed the charges. The decision came shortly after the resignation of U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, an appointee of former President Joe Biden.
Haim’s attorney, Ryan Patrick, called the dismissal the “right decision,” criticizing the case’s legal foundation as “novel.”
Trump Administration’s Policy Shift on LGBTQ Rights
The dismissal reflects broader changes under Trump’s administration, which has quickly reversed many policies implemented by the Biden administration in support of LGBTQ rights. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order mandating that the government recognize only two unchangeable sexes, male and female.
The case against Haim was previously criticized by conservatives, who viewed it as an example of political targeting under Biden’s Department of Justice.
Haim’s Reaction and Future Implications
In a post on social media platform X, Haim celebrated the dismissal, describing it as a victory against what he termed “weaponization” of the Biden administration’s policies.
The decision has reignited discussions about the role of medical professionals in addressing gender-affirming care and the intersection of healthcare privacy laws with whistleblowing efforts.