Pete Buttigieg's lessons learned about parental leave
May 25, 2023
Global Stage LIVE from United Nations WATCH REPLAY
Highlights from the GZERO World with Ian Bremmer weekly television show.
In the fall of 2021, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, became parents overnight.
After adopting infant twins, Buttegieg became the first out gay parent in the US cabinet. Because of the unique circumstances, Buttigieg was also the first US cabinet secretary ever to take parental leave.
On GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, Buttigieg spoke about the lessons he’s learned since becoming a parent and the advice he has for other senior government officials and private sector executives who are planning to start families.
“You need to have time, not just for connecting with your child, but also for adjusting your life and supporting your spouse,” Buttigieg told Bremmer, “You should have the policy and the means to be able to take care of your family … and return to the office ready to do your job with a whole new perspective.”
The secretary also spoke about the decision to relocate his family to northern Michigan and whether he’s thinking about political life beyond his role in President Biden’s cabinet. Could the move have anything to do with Michigan’s possible open Senate seat going forward?
Every week on GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, Ian explains the key global stories of the moment, sits down for an in-depth conversation with the newsmakers and thought leaders shaping our world.
Watch GZERO World on US public television and on GZERO's YouTube channel. GZERO WORLD with Ian Bremmer is a local public television program presented by THIRTEEN PBS.
Keep up with what’s going on around the world - and why it matters.