Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Husband Chasten Subject of False Child Welfare Investigation

The inquiry, triggered by an anonymous report deemed politically motivated, led to a temporary separation of the family.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg disclosed that he and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, were the subject of a child welfare investigation initiated by an anonymous report that authorities later determined to be false. The investigation was conducted by the Michigan State Police and Child Protective Services (CPS).

"This was the Child Protective Services equivalent of swatting." — Pete Buttigieg

Timeline of Events

According to Buttigieg, a police officer and a CPS worker visited the family home in Traverse City, Michigan. The officials informed the Buttigiegs of an anonymous report alleging the couple's twin four-year-old children were at risk.

Following the visit, the family was separated. The children underwent forensic interviews without their parents present. Buttigieg stated he was not permitted to be alone with his children until after these interviews were completed. The children stayed with their grandparents during this period.

Law Enforcement Findings

Michigan State Police confirmed they received an anonymous report regarding the Buttigieg family. In a statement, the agency said it investigated the claim in collaboration with CPS and determined the report to be false. Authorities described the allegation as politically motivated.

Statements and Context

Buttigieg described the experience as one of the most difficult moments of his life and characterized the false report as the Child Protective Services equivalent of "swatting."

He noted that the incident occurred during Pride Month and shortly after he had shared family photos on social media for Father's Day. He stated that his children, being four years old, are not aware of political affiliations.

The incident drew a bipartisan response. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) stated that a similar incident had happened to his own family and called for the prosecution of those who filed the false report.