1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent alteration of Admiral Rachel Levine's official portrait at the Department of Health and Human Services headquarters. During the federal government shutdown, current HHS leadership changed her portrait to display her previous name rather than her current legal name. This action represents an alarming pattern of erasing transgender Americans from public service and federal recognition. Admiral Levine served with distinction as assistant secretary for health for four years, becoming the first transgender person confirmed by the Senate to serve in the federal government. She held a four-star admiral position leading the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, where she worked on critical public health issues including COVID-19, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and opioids. Her portrait hangs alongside those of other officials who served in that role, yet she alone has been singled out for this disrespectful treatment. This is not an isolated incident. Transgender servicemembers have been forced out of the military without benefits. The State Department has reversed decades-old passport policies. Multiple federal agencies including Justice and Education are systematically curtailing the rights of transgender and intersex Americans. These actions affect real people who have served their country with honor and dedication. When HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon was asked about the portrait change, he failed to provide any legitimate justification, instead making vague references to "biological reality" that have nothing to do with displaying someone's correct legal name. An HHS staff member called the change "disrespectful" and said it exemplifies "the erasure of transgender individuals by this administration." I urge you to speak out against these actions and work to protect the dignity and rights of all Americans, including those who are transgender. Federal service should be based on merit and dedication to public service, not on erasing the identities of qualified individuals who have already proven their commitment to our nation.