According to Politico, "Buttigieg's office told West Wing Playbook that the secretary has actually been on paid leave since mid-August to spend time with his husband, Chasten, and their two newborn babies."

"For the first four weeks, he was mostly offline except for major agency decisions and matters that could not be delegated," said a DOT spokesperson, adding "He has been ramping up activities since then."

The failed 2020 presidential candidate will "continue to take some time over the coming weeks to support his husband and take care of his new children."