Gus Walz’s Proud Son Moment at DNC Gets Hate from Far-Right Pundits Like Ann Coulter. The World Is Siding with Gus
Public figures and social media users jumped in to defend Gus, 17, after he grew emotional watching his dad, Tim Walz, accept the Democratic vice presidential nomination
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty
Gus Walz cheers on his father Tim Walz at the Democratic National ConventionTim Walz's teenage son, Gus, had a proud moment during the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 21, when he was overcome with emotion while cheering on his father.
But as a clip of Gus crying and giving the vice presidential nominee a standing ovation made waves on social media, some right-wing pundits began mocking the 17-year-old's support.
Related: Tim Walz's Son Gus, 17, Steals the Show in Emotional Appearance at DNC: 'That's My Dad'
On Aug. 22, Ann Coulter, 62, wrote “Talk about weird …” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that has since been deleted. Coulter's comment was seemingly in reference to Tim, 60, popularizing "weird" as a descriptor for Republican opponents Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
Conservative Wisconsin radio host Jay Weber took his judgment a step further, saying in a now-deleted X post, "Sorry, but this is embarrassing for both father and son. If the Walzs represent today's American man, this country is screwed," before going on to describe the VP candidate's son with an expletive.
Amid a few extreme examples of hate, the internet overwhelmingly rallied around Gus, who is still a minor and has been diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD and anxiety. Several prominent figures also joined the conversation to defend the Walzes' comfort expressing love for one another.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
Hope, Gus, Tim and Gwen Walz at the Democratic National Convention“Look, I may not agree with @Tim_Walz prescription for America's challenges - but I've always believed in shielding our children from attack," Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro wrote on X, with a screenshot of Coulter's post. "His son Gus, our kids – neurodivergent and of all abilities – ought to be celebrated and supported."
Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, wrote on X: "I hope to inspire my kids so much that when they see me speak of the dreams and passion I have for my country they are moved to tears like Gus Walz was."
Chasten continued: “@Tim_Walz has dedicated his life to service and has clearly exceeded in being an excellent, supportive, and loving father every step of the way. We should all be so lucky to know a love like that.”
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Michelle Obama, who spoke at the DNC on Tuesday night, also notably praised Gus.
"I was touched to see Gus Walz’s joy when his dad @Tim_Walz took the stage last night. Thankful for you showing us all what real love looks like, Gus," the former first lady said on X. "Let’s be a nation that embraces this kind of warmth and vulnerability, instead of making fun or mocking it. We could all use some of Gus’s example in our own lives."
Shannon Watts, who founded Moms Demand Action, came to Gus' defense as well, sharing her own diagnosis. "I am neurodivergent. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and several learning disorders, including dyscalculia," she posted on X. "We’re not weird, we’re wonderful. And we’re your family, friends and fellow Americans."
Following the backlash Coulter faced, she attempted to walk back her comments. “I took [my post] down as soon as someone told me he’s austistc [sic],” she said on Aug. 22, “but it’s Democrats who go around calling everyone weird thinking it’s hilariously funny.”
Gus has not been diagnosed with autism, though nonverbal learning disorders can sometimes share the same features, as an expert explained to PEOPLE on Friday, Aug. 23.
Weber also shared a follow-up statement after deleting his initial post, similarly apologizing because Gus has a learning disorder, but not because of the hateful comment itself. "I didn't realize the kid was disabled, and have taken the post down," he wrote.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty
Gus and Hope Walz tear up as their father, Tim Walz, shouts them out from the DNC stage on Aug. 21, 2024Tim and his wife, Gwen Walz, opened up to PEOPLE about Gus' diagnosis on Aug. 7, calling it his "secret power."
"Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up," the couple said.
"It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power."
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