Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg raised eyebrows with a shocking description of the process of adoption.
Speaking with the hosts of the “Flagrant” podcast, the gay former mayor and former Democratic presidential candidate discussed raising black adopted twins with his husband, Chasten. But the conversation left some listeners wondering if they heard him right when he described the differences in adopting children of different races.
“It was called a surprise adoption scenario,” Buttigieg said of the process, explaining that they were “on a list” of adoptive parents and did not know ahead that they would be able to adopt twins.
Gross
Also, Buttigieg trying to be cool with these dudes is very cringe. https://t.co/n2UhABj3Vc
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) April 23, 2025
“Anybody who says race is not a thing in this country should experience an adoption process where there are literally different lists if you say that you want a white kid only versus if you say that doesn’t matter,” he told the podcast hosts, who expressed their surprise.
“What do you mean by that?” he was asked.
“The list for white kid only is longer,” Buttigieg replied before adding another stunning remark. “Not only that, there was actually a discount – or you didn’t have to pay a deposit on the fee discount. This is like how it works, I couldn’t believe it.”
Social media users weighed in on the description.
Nothing to see here. Just a totally normal way to talk about starting a family
Goodness
— John Hasson (@SonofHas) April 23, 2025
They reveal who they are….
— TrueWest (@Trestresjolie) April 23, 2025
Does he think adopting black babies on a discount is going to help him win votes with the black community, which completely ignored him last time?
— JWF (@JammieWF) April 24, 2025
They’re going to try and make him a thing in the primary again aren’t they?
— Matt Wright (@mattwr) April 24, 2025
Some X users noted how Buttigieg was trying to appear cool on the podcast.
Is growing a beard part of the ‘trying to appeal to male voters’ phenomenon?
— Tomasa (@dasgupta_teesta) April 23, 2025
Cringe on a 1000!
— Chuckyfamous! (@Nem_Famous) April 23, 2025
Look how he is trying to masculine up by going on these bros’ podcasts. He is growing a beard.
— Bryan Beatty (@BryanB8) April 24, 2025
