Following swift backlash, Ann Coulter has deleted a post mocking Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz‘s 17-year-old son Gus, who has a non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD).
The teenager was previously praised by many, going viral for his tearful applause at the Minnesota governor’s speech during Wednesday’s night three of the Democratic National Convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination with Tim as her running mate.
“Talk about weird …” wrote Coulter in the since-deleted post on X.
The conservative pundit later explained why she took down the post. “I took it down as soon as someone told me he’s [autistic], but it’s Democrats who go around calling everyone weird thinking it’s hilariously funny,” she wrote, seemingly referencing critics of Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate J.D. Vance.
Although she removed the post, Coulter didn’t escape criticism from those sticking up for Gus and other neurodivergent people.
Rosie O’Donnell wrote on Instagram with a screenshot of Coulter’s post, “Talk about a cruel heartless woman – she’s the worst.”
Star Jones wrote in her own response, “There is a special place in Hell for adults who bully children. God does not like ugly… and he ain’t too fond of vile and disgusting women who use their voice and vast platform to vilify the vulnerable. #DoBetter”
Ana Navarro wrote in part, “Of course Republicans and Trumpers on social media taking shots at Gus Walz. You have to be a special kind of heart-less mutant to attack a 17 year-old special needs kid -not involved in politics- for the simple act of expressing love for his father.
“Gus Walz is neurodivergent,” she explained. “He has ADHD, anxiety, and a nonverbal learning disorder. Children and teens like Gus can have trouble regulating their emotions in social settings. I don’t and won’t attack Barron Trump. As far as I’m concerned, he’s out-of-bounds. They need to leave Gus Walz the f— alone.”
Tim’s wife Gwen Walz previously opened up to People about Gus’ diagnosis with NVLD, ADHD and an anxiety disorder, which she called “his super power.”
