Pete Buttigieg avoided requests from Republican and Democratic lawmakers along with invites to zoom meetings during his paternity leave – even though he said he would be available 24/7
- January 12, 2023
Emily Goodin, Daily Mail
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg turned down requests to talk to a Republican senator, invites direct to him by the White House and a public appearance request from a Democrat during his time on paternity leave – despite his promise of availability – it was revealed on Thursday.
Internal Transportation Department documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by the group Protect the Public’s Trust show Buttigieg declined a request for a call with Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and to participate in Zoom call for an event with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
The reason given was his being on paternity leave. Buttigieg and his husband Chasten welcomed twins Joseph August (called Gus) and Penelope Rose in August of 2021.
The Transportation secretary came under fire when it was revealed he took at least three months of paid leave at a time President Joe Biden was trying to get his infrastructure bill passed on Capitol Hill and America’s ports were in a transportation crisis.