Ann Coulter Deletes Post Mocking Tim Walz’s Son Following Backlash

Conservative commentator Ann Coulter recently faced a wave of backlash after mocking Tim Walz’s son, Gus, on social media, prompting her to delete the post. This incident unfolded following Gus’s emotional display during his father’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, where the 17-year-old was seen in the family box, visibly proud and shouting, “That’s my dad.”

The controversy began when Coulter shared a news article featuring Gus’s heartfelt moment, accompanied by a photograph of him. She commented on the post, saying, “Talk about weird…” This statement ignited a fierce backlash from social media users who defended Gus and highlighted his challenges.

Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, had recently disclosed in an interview with People magazine that their son has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder. The couple described these conditions as Gus’s “secret power,” emphasizing that they have shaped his unique personality.

In the People interview, the Walzes explained, “When our youngest, Gus, was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates. Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself.” They expressed pride in their son and a desire to promote understanding of neurodiversity.

The backlash against Coulter was immediate. Her tweet quickly gained traction, with many users pointing out the insensitivity of her remark. The phrase “He’s 17” became a trending topic, underscoring the need to treat young people with kindness and respect, regardless of their challenges.

Among the critics was Tommy Vietor, a former staffer for President Obama, who remarked, “I can see why a child loving their parents would feel foreign to you.” His response highlighted the disconnect Coulter appeared to have with the emotions displayed by Gus.

Shannon Watts, the founder of gun safety advocacy groups Moms Demand Action and Everytown, also weighed in. She shared her own experiences, stating, “I am neurodivergent. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and several learning disorders, including dyscalculia.” She concluded her message by asserting that neurodiverse individuals are “wonderful” and are part of the broader fabric of family and society.

Despite removing her mocking tweet, Coulter continued to face escalated criticism. Rick Wilson, a former Republican strategist, expressed a dark sentiment regarding Coulter’s future, suggesting that she would die alone surrounded by vices, implying that her behavior stems from a deeper emptiness. Such comments demonstrated the broader disapproval of her actions.

In a moral reflection, Jesuit priest James Martin condemned the hostility displayed, noting that the hateful comments often came from people who identified as Christians. He pointed out, “90 percent of the Christian life is: Don’t be mean,” and questioned whether Jesus would have mocked someone with a disability. His statement resonated with many who argued that compassion should prevail over cruelty.

Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat also took to social media to address the larger implications of Coulter’s actions. She wrote, “They learned from the best: Trump, who has long mocked people with disabilities and whose Project 2025 would restrict benefits to disabled veterans.” This comment linked Coulter’s behavior to a broader cultural issue, referencing the impact of public figures on societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.

The fallout from Coulter’s post serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding, especially in discussions surrounding mental health and neurodiversity. Social media users rallied around Gus Walz, advocating for kindness and acceptance in the face of stigma and discrimination.

This incident not only highlights the consequences of careless commentary but also emphasizes the need to celebrate diversity and support those who navigate life with different challenges.

Source: Independent