The Department of Health and Human Services has replaced the name displayed on Admiral Rachel Levine’s official portrait, removing her current name and reverting to the one she used before transitioning.
Levine’s portrait appears alongside former leaders of the U.S. Public Health Service. Until recently, the nameplate reflected the identity she held while serving as Assistant Secretary for Health. The newly installed plate now displays her birth name, a change that has drawn swift criticism from LGBTQ advocates and former colleagues who view the move as an attempt to erase her identity.
HHS officials have said the update aligns with new administrative policies, though they did not explain why Levine’s portrait was singled out for modification. Supporters of Levine argue that the decision signals a broader shift in how the government treats transgender officials and raises concerns about respect, representation, and precedent within federal institutions.
Levine has not issued detailed comment beyond reiterating her ongoing commitment to public health, while advocacy organizations continue to press federal leadership for clarification on how such portrait changes will be handled moving forward.