Overview
- HHS acknowledged on its X account that the name on the portrait plaque now reads Richard Levine instead of Rachel Levine.
- Spokesman Andrew Nixon said the department intends to present information consistent with 'gold standard science' and to reverse policies enacted by Levine.
- Levine’s spokesperson, Adrian Shanker, said the change occurred during the federal shutdown and called it bigotry against her.
- Rachel Levine told NPR she would not elaborate, describing the move as a petty action.
- The portrait is displayed at HHS headquarters, and reporting notes Levine previously supported gender-affirming care and urged clinicians to counter what she called misinformation.