Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is raising eyebrows — and sparking buzz among conservatives — after publicly supporting one of President Donald Trump’s signature pro-family campaign promises: expanding coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility treatments.
Speaking Sunday on Pod Save America, Buttigieg was asked if Democrats should embrace Trump’s proposal to require insurance companies to cover IVF. Host Jon Favreau pointed directly to the former president’s pledge, asking:
“Do you think Democrats should run on Trump’s promise that insurance companies be required to cover IVF and fertility treatments?”
Buttigieg’s response stunned listeners.
“I think it’s good policy,” Buttigieg said. “If we’re serious about being pro-family, we must make sure families get this support — whether through direct government help or private healthcare coverage.”
Buttigieg Backs Trump’s Pro-Family Vision
Buttigieg went even further, admitting that many on the political right are right to want more Americans starting families. He argued that cost should never be the reason a couple can’t have children.
“We shouldn’t scoff at those who want to encourage family growth,” he added. “If the obstacle is cost or access, that’s something we should fix.”
Trump’s IVF Push Is Still Moving Forward
Favreau, citing a Washington Post article, tried to claim Trump didn’t keep his IVF promise during his second term. But the White House quickly hit back.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded:
“President Trump has vowed to make fertility treatments more accessible for Americans who want to start families, and no administration has ever been more determined to fulfill that promise.”
In February, Trump signed an executive order to expand IVF access, cut out-of-pocket costs, and direct the Domestic Policy Council to find every way possible to make fertility treatments affordable.
Buttigieg Warns His Own Party
This isn’t the first time Buttigieg has distanced himself from Democrat orthodoxy since the 2024 election. He’s been openly critical of his party’s obsession with performative diversity training that he says turns voters off.
In February, Buttigieg asked, “When we talk about diversity, are we talking about respecting people’s unique experiences and ensuring fair treatment? Or are we forcing them into trainings that feel like something from Portlandia? I’ve experienced both — and that’s exactly how people become Trump Republicans.”
With even a top Democrat praising a Trump initiative, this unexpected political twist could spell trouble for the left — and give conservatives yet another example of the former president’s enduring influence on pro-family policy in America.