Michelle Obama has offered a moving defence of Tim Walz’s son Gus after he was mocked for his emotional outburst during his father’s speech.
“I was so touched to see Gus Walz’s joy when his father @Tim_Walz walked on stage last night. I’m grateful for showing us all what true love looks like, Gus,” the former first lady posted on X.
“Let’s be a nation that embraces this kind of warmth and vulnerability, rather than mocking or scoffing at it. We could all use a little of that.”
Obama, who appeared earlier this week at the Democratic National Convention, offered his support to the 17-year-old after trolls ridiculed him for crying during her father’s remarks.
Michelle Obama has offered a moving defence of Tim Walz’s son Gus after he was mocked for his emotional outburst during his father’s speech.
Ann Coulter shared an image of Gus overcome with emotion as his vice presidential candidate father took the stage in Chicago on Wednesday, captioning it: “Talking about weird stuff.”
But Coulter was quickly informed that Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an anxiety disorder.
He has since deleted the post.
“I’m sure seeing someone with human emotions would be strange for you,” read one online review.
“If you’re attacking or mocking Tim Walz’s neurodivergent son for his reaction and love for his father, you’re a terrible human being,” another said.
Obama, who appeared earlier this week at the Democratic National Convention, offered his support to the 17-year-old after trolls ridiculed him for crying during her father’s remarks.
“Crying with pride for someone you love is the coolest, most normal thing ever. Plus, he’s 17, you irredeemable monster. I’d tell you to go to hell, but you’re already there,” one person wrote.
The Walzes shared with People magazine earlier this month that Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder.
“As our youngest son, Gus, was growing up, it became increasingly apparent that he was different from his classmates,” the couple said. He told the people‘Gus preferred video games and spending more time alone.’
‘As a teenager, we learned that Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, as well as an anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that also affect millions of Americans.’
Ann Coulter’s now-deleted X-rated post about Tim Walz’s son Gus
Tim Walz hugs his son, Gus Walz, during the third night of the Democratic National Convention
The Internet is dragging Ann Coulter after she posted that Tim Walz’s son called him weird for his tearful reaction to his father’s acceptance speech.
“I am neurodivergent. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and several learning disorders including dyscalculia. We are not weird, we are wonderful. And we are your family, friends, and fellow Americans,” activist and Moms Demand founder Shannon Watts wrote on X.
“Of course MAGA is making fun of a special needs child showing love for his father. There is no limit,” wrote the X “Republicans Against Trump” account in response to mockery from Coulter and others online.
“Who thinks Ann Coulter owes Gus Walz an apology?” another X user posted with the raised hand emoji.
Others called her post “vile” and “soulless.” It was eventually deleted.
Hope, Gus, Tim and Gwen Walz at the end of the third night at the Democratic National Convention
As the governor was giving his acceptance speech, the video cut out to show the Walz family sitting in the front row of the convention floor, including Gus alongside his mother Gwen and sister Hope, 23.
During his speech, when the Democratic vice presidential candidate spoke about his family, Hope I made the heart symbol and mouthed “I love you”.’
“That’s my dad,” shouted Gus, 17, as he stood up and proudly pointed at his father on the convention stage as the crowd cheered.
The emotional family moment went viral on social media.
After Walz finished his speech, his family joined him on stage to celebrate. Gus could be seen giving his father a big hug as the crowd went wild in the stadium.
Tim Walz and his son Gus hug after his acceptance speech
Tim Walz hugging 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 at the Democratic National Convention
Tim, 60, and Gwen Walz, 58, have spoken publicly about their struggles with fertility and how they used fertility treatments to conceive their two children.
Walz referenced that moment in his remarks.
“This is personal for Gwen and I. If you’ve never experienced the hell that is infertility, I guarantee you know someone who has,” she said.
“I remember praying every night for a phone call and the pain in my stomach when the phone rang and the absolute agony when we found out the treatments weren’t working. It took years, but we got access to fertility treatments. When our daughter was born, we named her Hope.”
She added: “Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my whole world and I love you.”
