Gwen Walz Critiques Trump on IVF and Scolds Vance in ‘Teacher Voice’

Gwen Walz, the wife of Minnesota Governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, recently criticized former President Trump concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF) during her first campaign appearance in Manassas, Virginia. She also sharply reprimanded Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance from Ohio.

Opening her remarks, Walz expressed pride in being an educator and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. She shared her background as an English teacher, highlighting her commitment to education as one of her passions.

The Walz family has been candid about their challenges with starting a family, often addressing the topic of reproductive rights in their discussions. Their experiences with infertility led them to name their first daughter Hope, underscoring the emotional journey they faced.

Recently, Senator Vance has faced backlash for his statements about family planning and the roles of single adults. He insinuated that individuals without children have a diminished stake in the country’s future and mocked “childless cat ladies,” which has drawn criticism.

Walz took the opportunity in her speech to reference previous comments made by Vance in 2021. During a Senate candidate forum, he had been asked about education and responded with a scathing remark directed at Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, claiming that if she wanted to “brainwash” children, she should have some of her own.

Addressing this directly, Walz shared her perspective as an educator who also had no biological children for a significant period. “For a long time, Tim and I were teachers who struggled with infertility,” she explained. “We were only able to start a family because of fertility treatments. So, this is really personal for me, and I think it is for millions of Americans.” She challenged Vance’s viewpoint, asserting that outside opinions on family planning are unwelcome.

With emphasis, Walz encouraged Vance to “mind your own business,” showcasing her determination to defend her family’s journey and the familial experiences of others.

Walz then pivoted her criticism toward Trump, condemning his attempts to reshape his narrative regarding reproductive rights. “The facts don’t lie,” she stated, asserting, “Donald Trump is the one who took down Roe and put access to IVF at risk. That’s a fact.” She underscored that Trump’s platform jeopardizes these essential treatments across the country, recognizing that his stance is broadly unpopular.

In a statement addressing Walz’s criticism, a spokesperson for Vance emphasized that the senator believes no greater threat exists for American children than the alleged “left-wing indoctrination” infiltrating schools, which they claim is endorsed by figures like Randi Weingarten along with political allies Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

“There are many wonderful teachers in this country, and JD’s remarks regarding Weingarten’s actions are not an indictment of them,” the spokesperson clarified. They asserted that schools should focus on foundational education like reading, writing, and math rather than incorporating what they describe as “anti-American propaganda” into the curriculum.

Vance’s team emphasized that he remains dedicated to combating this perceived indoctrination in schools and will continue to vocalize his critiques to protect children’s education.

The back-and-forth between Walz and Vance not only underscores the significant issues surrounding reproductive rights and education but also highlights the broader political landscape as both parties gear up for the upcoming elections.