Established by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Strong controversy after changing the official photo of Admiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender person confirmed by the Senate to a federal position. During the recent government shutdown, HHS replaced Levine’s current name with his own “dead name” (former name) on a portrait painting on display at its headquarters in Washington, DC
The measure, confirmed by Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon, is justified An attempt to prioritize “gold standard science” and “biological reality”It mirrored policies deemed “harmful” that Levine implemented during her time as assistant secretary of health during the Biden administration.
The Department of Health and Human Services just updated Rachel Levine’s official photo to his real biological name: Richard
“We are committed to reversing the harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said. pic.twitter.com/WqAINg1nX9
— Nicholas Hulscher, MPH (@NicHulscher) December 6, 2025
Levine, who served from 2021 to 2025 and led key efforts against COVID-19, HIV/AIDS and the opioid crisis, He was the target of anti-trans criticism during the 2024 campaign. The change in the photo, which is in the lobby of the Humphrey Building alongside other leaders at the Public Health Authority, is seen as A symbolic act of erasing transgender identityconsistent with current administration policies that include expelling transitioning service members without benefits and eliminating passport rules.
The photo was modified under the supervision of the new secretary Robert F. kennedy jr, Remove “Rachel” and place the previous name under the glass frame. Nixon defended the decision, saying: “We are committed to reversing harmful policies and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health.”
This movement is part of In light of political tensionsLevine was used in negative ads during the election campaign.
Adrian Shanker, Levin’s spokesman, described the event as… “mustache” and “meanness”highlighting its unprecedented nature. Levin herself replied with dignity: ““It has been an honor to serve the American people, and I will not comment on this type of petty behavior.”. An anonymous HHS employee described it as… “Disrespectful” An example of this “Erasure of transgender individuals”.
LGBTQ+ advocates urge Focus on public health challenges Instead of symbolic revenge.
This controversy Highlights polarization around transgender rightswith the administration pushing measures such as forcing hospitals to halt gender-affirming care and threats of prosecution. Levine, a Pennsylvania native and public health pioneer, leaves a legacy in childhood vaccinations and pandemic response, Now it has been overshadowed by this gesture of intolerance.