Trans whistleblower indicted by grand jury

Houston surgeon, Dr. Eithan Haim, 34, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for leaking protected patient information to conservative activist Chris Rufo. Haim allegedly accessed and shared data on patients at Texas Children's Hospital, where he had previously completed rotations.

"Haim allegedly obtained this information under false pretenses and with intent to cause malicious harm..." - U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas

Charged with four counts of wrongful disclosure, Haim could face 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

Last year, Haim approached Rufo with alleged "whistleblower" evidence, claiming the hospital provided gender-affirming care for minors, violating Texas' Senate Bill 14. Rufo published an article and a blog post praising Haim as a "courageous surgeon."

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Haim's actions were malicious and referenced his intent to harm the hospital. Haim had requested access to the hospital's system after his rotation ended, using it to retrieve private info on patients never under his care.

Haim has identified himself as Rufo’s source and discussed the investigation in a previous interview with the activist. Despite Rufo's portrayal of Haim as an "anonymous whistleblower," the indictment underscores the illegal nature of his actions, violating patient privacy, and potentially causing harm.