I have now idea what Pete Buttigieg is doing or not – it’s none of my damned business. Although being an intelligent and conscientous guy, my guess is that he is probably on email and phone calls each day. As for the larger question: Yes, why would anyone, especially a government worker, not be allowed to have leave when a kid is born into their family? =The US has terrible laws on parental leave – far more primitive than other civilized countries. Government / cabinet workers absolutely have the right and option to take this sort of time. Do you think, @JLeslie that they are slaves?