Pete Buttigieg has revealed that his family was recently targeted by a false Child Protective Services report that authorities ultimately determined was unfounded.
The former U.S. Transportation Secretary shared the experience in a personal essay, describing it as one of the darkest moments of his life.
According to Buttigieg, an anonymous allegation prompted a Michigan State Police officer and a Child Protective Services worker to visit the family’s home (Advocate).
The investigation required forensic interviews with the couple’s four-year-old twins, Penelope and Gus.
During the process, Buttigieg said he was instructed not to be alone with his children until the interviews had been completed.
As a result, the children spent the night with their grandparents while the investigation continued.
Michigan State Police later confirmed that the report had been investigated and determined to be false.
Authorities also emphasized that false reports place unnecessary strain on law enforcement and Child Protective Services resources that are intended to protect children facing genuine danger.
Buttigieg described the allegation as a politically motivated hoax and compared it to a form of swatting that weaponized the child protection system.
He wrote that the experience left him feeling both furious and deeply saddened that someone would involve young children in an attempt to target their family.
Pete and his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, married in 2018 and adopted twins Penelope and Gus in 2021.
Since becoming parents, the couple have frequently shared glimpses of family life while also speaking publicly about adoption and the challenges of balancing public service with parenthood.
Their family has also faced public criticism over the years because they are a same-sex couple raising children.
In his essay, Buttigieg suggested the timing of the incident, shortly after Father’s Day and during Pride Month, made the attack feel especially personal.
He praised both the police officer and Child Protective Services worker involved in the investigation for handling the situation professionally.
At the same time, he called for consequences for people who knowingly file malicious false reports that traumatize innocent families.
The case has renewed discussion about how anonymous false allegations can be used to intimidate public figures while placing children at the center of deeply distressing investigations.
Although the allegations were quickly disproven, Buttigieg said the emotional impact on his family will take much longer to fade.
📸 IG: @pete.buttigieg
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