False Report on Pete Buttigieg’s Health Spurs Social Media Disinformation

A false claim regarding U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg‘s health has recently surfaced on social media, causing significant concern about the spread of disinformation ahead of the 2024 election. The misinformation originated from a parody account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, which asserted that Buttigieg revealed he is HIV-positive. This unfounded post quickly garnered attention and was amplified by various pundits affiliated with the MAGA movement.

Stew Peters, a far-right conspiracy theorist with a substantial following, shared the tweet, adding further weight to the false narrative. Peters is known for promoting antisemitic, white supremacist, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric through his digital media venture, the Stew Peters Network. The post shared by Peters amassed 849,000 views, contributing to the viral spread of this disinformation.

The falsehood drew a range of reactions across the platform, with some users expressing skepticism about the timing of the alleged revelation, while others responded with unwarranted sympathy based on the incorrect information. Tim Miller, a contributor to The Bulwark, highlighted the dangerous implications of this disinformation. He noted how the erroneous claim suggests how disinformation is increasingly weaponized to influence public opinion during the election cycle.

The incident underscores the broader challenges posed by misinformation on platforms like X, which has faced scrutiny under Elon Musk‘s leadership for reduced moderation efforts. This environment has allowed fake accounts and misinformation to proliferate unchecked. X’s “Community Note” fact-checking tool did not address the viral post about Buttigieg, further enabling its dissemination.

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis condemned the use of HIV as a tool for political attack, calling it “harmful and irresponsible.” She emphasized the importance of spreading accurate information about HIV, which is preventable and treatable, to combat stigma and misinformation. Research by GLAAD indicates that Generation Z is notably less informed about HIV, underscoring the need for comprehensive sexual health education free from political interference.

This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of high-profile LGBTQ+ figures like Buttigieg to disinformation in the digital age, with misinformation campaigns often reinforcing harmful stereotypes and stigmas against the community. Furthermore, there are ongoing cultural and political battles over access to sexual health education, which significantly impact awareness and understanding of HIV among younger generations.