The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a major policy shift, changing the nameplate on the official portrait of former assistant secretary Adm. Rachel Levine to read her legal birth name, “Richard.” The powerful move is a clear signal that the new administration is committed to reversing radical gender ideology within the public health system.
The portrait is displayed in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, alongside past holders of the assistant secretary role. NPR first reported the nameplate beneath Levine’s portrait was altered to reflect the biological reality of the position.
An HHS spokesperson confirmed the change. They said, "Our priority is ensuring that the information presented internally and externally by HHS reflects gold standard science."
The spokesperson made it clear that the focus is on the radical policies enacted by the previous official. They added, "We remain committed to reversing harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health."
Levine, a former admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, declined to address the change in detail. She dismissed the victory for biological truth, saying she had no "comment on this type of petty action."
Adrian Shanker, a former official under the previous administration, claimed the change occurred during the federal government shutdown. Shanker claimed the use of the former legal name reflects "small acts of pettiness and bigotry," revealing the Left's desperation over the shift.