Outrage as Biden's trans health secretary's name is quietly changed on portrait hanging in government building
Trump officials have been accused of bigotry after the portrait of former President Joe Biden's transgender assistant secretary for health was altered to reflect her birth name.
Admiral Rachel Levine's portrait has hung in a hallway of the Humphrey Building in Washington DC - the Department of Health and Human Services's headquarters - since she became the first trans woman to win Senate confirmation in 2021.
Following the 68-year-old's four years of service under the Biden administration, her name was reverted to Richard Levine, the name she was given at birth.
Levine's dead name - a trans person's original name before transitioning - was typed out and placed under the framed picture of the former official, along with the dates she served in office.
'We remain committed to reversing harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health,' Emily Hilliard, the HHS Department's press secretary, told the Daily Mail.
'Dr. Levine's time here will be looked upon as a sad footnote in the otherwise storied history of this department.'
Levine told NPR that she was grateful for having the opportunity to serve the American people and would not comment on this type of 'petty action.'
The portrait update allegedly occurred during the government shutdown, Adrian Shanker, Levine's spokesperson, said.
Admiral Rachel Levine, 68, was the first trans woman to win Senate confirmation in 2021 and served as assistant secretary for health under the Biden administration
Levine's portrait was changed to her dead name - a trans person's name before transitioning - placed under the picture of the former official
Shanker described the move to the outlet as an act 'of bigotry against her.'
His accusation of prejudice was echoed online, where people on the left shared their disdain, characterizing the move as petty, hateful, and nasty.
One user wrote: 'Petty lowlife pieces of s***. Does anyone know how lucky this Nation is to have the service of someone who went through the trauma of transitioning, while also making the rank of Admiral?'
Another added: 'Forgive me, but I can't think of a kinder way to put this: what a group of malevolent s***bags.'
A third wrote: 'Always keep in mind: The only reason stuff like this happens is because the Republican Party is ok with it. They chose Trump to be their leader & standard bearer THREE times, worked hard to put him in power, and they do what it takes to keep him there. Deplorable indeed.'
Emily Hilliard, the HHS Department's press secretary told the Daily Mail: 'Dr. Levine's time here will be looked upon as a sad footnote in the otherwise storied history of this department'
Levine was replaced Admiral Brian Christine, 61, a urologist from Alabama
During President Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2024, he used photos of the former assistant in negative ads
A staffer, allegedly part of the current administration, told the outlet that they, too, disagree with the change.
An unnamed HHS staff member called the deadnaming 'disrespectful' and added that it reinforces 'the erasure of transgender individuals by this administration.'
Levine was replaced by President Trump's nominee, Admiral Brian Christine, a urologist from Alabama.
The Senate confirmed the 61-year-old in October.
The Trump administration has moved swiftly to impose anti-trans policies, which include a ban on transgender military members.
Additionally, the administration has implemented the changes through several federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Health, and Education.
During the 2024 election, Trump ran on unfavorable values towards transgender people and used photos of Levine in negative campaign ads.
