A recent post on X claimed that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had revealed he is HIV-positive, a statement that is completely false. The post from the parody account @Breaking911OnX attracted significant attention, accumulating one million views.
The account, which satirizes news reporting, emphasizes its parody nature in its bio and frequently shares unfounded claims. For instance, another post from the same account jokingly reported on a Vice Presidential debate interaction that also had no basis in reality.
Despite Buttigieg being one of the most recognized openly gay politicians in the U.S., he has made no such announcement regarding his health. Nonetheless, the misinformation continued to circulate, as it was picked up by other prominent accounts, including conservative radio host Stew Peters, known for spreading false information.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, can be transmitted through bodily fluids, particularly during unprotected sex or through shared drug equipment. The virus, which first began to spread in the U.S. in the 1980s, was largely prevalent among gay and bisexual men. While anyone can be infected, stigma against gay men regarding HIV persists, even though there are effective measures available for preventing transmission.
In summary, the tweet purporting that Buttigieg disclosed an HIV-positive status is unfounded and misleading, stemming from a parody account.