Right-wing commentator Ann Coulter has been criticized for an X-post mocking Tim Walz’s disabled son during the Democratic National Convention.
She shared a photo of 17-year-old Gus, overcome with emotion as his vice presidential candidate father took the stage in Chicago on Wednesday, writing, “What a weird story.”
But Coulter soon learned that Gus has a nonverbal learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and an anxiety disorder.
She has since deleted the post.
Gus Walz, 17, was reduced to tears when he saw his father on stage – a moment that broke hearts on social media
“I’m sure it would be weird for you if someone had human emotions,” read one online critique.
“If you attack or ridicule Tim Walz’s neurodivergent son for his reaction and love for his father, you are a horrible human being,” said another.
“Being moved to tears with pride for someone you love is the coolest and most normal thing. And he’s 17 years old you incorrigible monster. I’d send you to hell but you’re already there,” one person wrote.
Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, the Walzes told People magazine earlier this month.
“As our youngest Gus grew up, it became increasingly apparent that he was different from his classmates,” the couple said told people‘Gus preferred video games and spent more time alone.’
“When he was a teenager, we learned that Gus has a nonverbal learning disability, along with anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that also affect millions of Americans.”
Ann Coulter’s now-deleted X-post about Tim Walz’s son Gus
Tim Walz embraces his son, Gus Walz, during the third night of the Democratic National Convention
The internet is dragging Ann Coulter after she posted about Tim Walz’s son calling him weird for his tear-jerking reaction to his father’s acceptance speech
“I am neurodivergent. At 14, I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and multiple learning disabilities including dyscalculia. We are not weird, we are awesome. And we are your family, friends, and fellow Americans,” activist and Moms Demand founder Shannon Watts wrote on X.
“Of course MAGA makes fun of a special needs kid showing love for his dad. There is no bottom,” the X account “Republicans vs. Trump” wrote in response to Coulter and others mocking Gus online.
“Who thinks Ann Coulter owes an apology to Gus Walz?” another X user posted with the raised hand emoji.
Hope, Gus, Tim and Gwen Walz at the end of the third night at the DNC
As the governor delivered his speech, a video clip was shown showing the Walz family sitting in the front row of the convention floor, including Gus next to his mother Gwen and 23-year-old sister Hope.
During his speech, in which the Democratic vice presidential nominee spoke about his family, Heap made the heart symbol and said ‘i love you’.
“That’s my dad,” Gus, 17, shouted as he stood up and proudly pointed to his father on the convention stage as the audience cheered.
The emotional family moment went viral on social media.
After Walz finished his speech, his family came to the stage to celebrate. Gus could be seen giving his father a bear hug as the crowd in the arena went wild.
Tim Walz and his son Gus embrace after his acceptance speech
Tim Walz hugs his daughter Hope on stage
Tim Walz and his wife Gwen leave the stage together after his primetime speech
Tim Walz and his wife Gwen embrace on stage during the Democratic National Convention
Tim, 60, and Gwen Walz, 58, have spoken openly about their fertility struggles and how they used fertility treatments to conceive two children.
Walz referred to that time in his comments.
“This is personal for Gwen and me. If you’ve never experienced the hell that is infertility, I’m sure you know someone who has,” he said.
“I remember praying every night for a phone call and feeling the pit of your stomach when the phone rang and the absolute agony of hearing that treatments weren’t working. It took years, but we had access to fertility treatments. When our daughter was born, we named her Hope.”
He added: ‘Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my whole world and I love you.’