HHS removes official who spread conspiracy theories over social media

Nicholas Leider | | Health Exec | Management

Ximena Barreto, a communications official in HHS since December 2017, resigned after CNN and Media Matters reported she spread conspiracy theories and made anti-Muslim statements on social media. Barreto was placed on leave in April.

Her removal was first reported by Politico.

Before her appointment to HHS, Barreto made online posts and videos that argued Hillary Clinton was involved in a child-sex ring at a Washington, D.C., pizza parlor. She also claimed the country’s forefathers would have hung Barack Obama and Clinton for treason.

After she was placed on leave, Barreto issued a public apology and resumed working at HHS, though in a different position than deputy director of communications. Last month, after her apology, she tweeted that CNN was trying to smear her. Before working in HSS, Barreto worked for Donald Trump’s campaign in California.

""
Nicholas Leider, Managing Editor

Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.

Related Content

FDA issues Class I recall on counterfeit infusion pump batteries
FDA issues alert on PCNL sheath safety after patient death
Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies
Anthem BCBS reverses course on anesthesia time limits
FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death
FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.