Overview
- HHS told NPR that Levine's hallway portrait now bears her previous name, with a photograph showing a typed label placed beneath the glass of the frame.
- The alteration took place during the federal shutdown, raising procedural questions because shutdown rules limit non‑emergency activities.
- Officials have not identified who authorized the change or whether the portrait will be restored to its original nameplate.
- Levine declined to engage beyond noting it was an honor to serve, while spokesperson Adrian Shanker condemned the move and an HHS staffer called it disrespectful.
- Levine, the first openly transgender person confirmed by the Senate, previously led the Public Health Service as assistant secretary for health, and advocates say the change reflects wider federal rollbacks of transgender recognition.