Story perspectives

HHS Faces Backlash for Altering Levine's Portrait Amid Controversy

12/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., altered Admiral Rachel Levine's portrait by replacing her name with her deadname during a shutdown, a move defended by HHS as reflecting 'biological reality'.
Adrian Shanker, Levine's former deputy, criticized the action as a misuse of authority and bigotry.
Levine, the first transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has faced ongoing attacks from right-wing activists.

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Story summary

The Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., altered Admiral Rachel Levine's portrait by replacing her name with her deadname during a shutdown, a move defended by HHS as reflecting 'biological reality'.
Adrian Shanker, Levine's former deputy, criticized the action as a misuse of authority and bigotry.
Levine, the first transgender person confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has faced ongoing attacks from right-wing activists.