Gus Walz’s Proud Son Moment at DNC Gets Hate from Far-Right Pundits Like Ann Coulter. The World Is Siding with Gus

Mar. 15, 2025

Gus Walz cheers on his father Tim Walz at the Democratic National Convention.Photo:CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty

Tim Walz’s teenage son,Gus, had a proud moment during theDemocratic National Conventionon 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.

On Aug. 22, Ann Coulter, 62, wrote “Talk about weird …” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that hassince been deleted. Coulter’s comment was seemingly in reference to Tim, 60, popularizing “weird” as a descriptor for Republican opponentsDonald TrumpandJ.D. Vance.

Conservative Wisconsin radio host Jay Weber took his judgment a step further, saying in anow-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 beendiagnosed 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.

Hope, Gus, Tim and Gwen Walz at the Democratic National Convention.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

“Look, I may not agree with@Tim_Walzprescription for America’s challenges - but I’ve always believed in shielding our children from attack," Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro wrote onX, 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 SecretaryPete Buttigieg, wrote onX: “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, whospoke at the DNCon 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 onX. “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 onX. “We’re not weird, we’re wonderful. And we’re your family, friends and fellow Americans.”

Conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who has earned a reputation for making offensive remarks.Gage Skidmore/Flickr.com

Gus has not been diagnosed with autism, though nonverbal learning disorders can sometimes share the same features,as an expert explained to PEOPLEon 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.

Gus and Hope Walz tear up as their father, Tim Walz, shouts them out from the DNC stage on Aug. 21, 2024.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

Tim 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.”

source: people.com