HHS Alters Official Portrait of Transgender Health Leader

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has changed the official portrait of Admiral Rachel Levine. The alteration removed her formal title from the image displayed at the agency's headquarters. Admiral Levine serves as the Assistant Secretary for Health. She was the first openly transgender person to win confirmation by the U.S. Senate for a federal government position. The portrait originally identified her as "Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD." The updated version now shows only her name, "Rachel L. Levine, MD." An HHS spokesperson stated the change followed a standard review to ensure consistency across official portraits. Admiral Levine continues in her role overseeing public health initiatives. The department has not indicated any other changes to her duties or status.