Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was the target of a false report that led to his temporary separation from his four-year-old twins. Michigan State Police and a child protective services worker visited Buttigieg's home in Traverse City after receiving an anonymous allegation that he posed a danger to his children. Authorities conducted forensic interviews with the twins and advised Buttigieg not to be alone with them until the interviews were completed.
Buttigieg stated in a Substack post that the experience was one of the darkest hours of his life. The Michigan State Police confirmed that the report was false and stated that the allegation would not be referred to prosecutors. Buttigieg claimed the anonymous caller falsely alleged that he had confessed to violent crimes during a meeting in Alabama, a location he has never visited.
Buttigieg expressed his anger and sadness over the situation, emphasizing the impact on his young children. He noted that the incident occurred shortly after he shared family photos online for Father's Day. He has faced criticism from some Republicans for taking paternity leave after adopting his twins and has previously received death threats. Buttigieg remarked that this incident reflects a broader trend of political attacks and described the current political climate as increasingly hostile.