Ann Coulter responds to backlash after calling Tim Walz’s neurodiverse son “weird” at DNC

Veteran conservative commentator Ann Coulter explained why she deleted a tweet in which she referred to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s neurodiverse son as "weird," but she stopped short of apologizing for her remarks.

Her comment sparked backlash from both liberals and conservatives, who came to the defense of the 17-year-old, who openly cried while his father accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination.

Gus Walz, the son of Kamala Harris' running mate, became the focus of attention after a video of him tearfully exclaiming "That’s my dad!" during his father's speech went viral. Diagnosed with a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder, Gus's condition has been embraced by his family as his "secret power," according to his mother, Gwen Walz, who spoke to People magazine.

Despite the emotional moment, some used the opportunity to mock the governor’s son. Coulter tweeted, “Talk about weird,” but deleted the tweet after being informed of Gus's condition. She later explained, “I took it down as soon as someone told me he’s autistic [sic], but it’s Democrats who go around calling everyone weird thinking it’s hilariously funny.” Coulter added that she was on vacation and did not feel pressured to remove the tweet.

Other conservatives also weighed in, with Dinesh D’Souza sharing a video of Gus crying and making a disparaging comment comparing him to his father. Despite pushback, D’Souza's posts remained online. Jay Weber, a conservative radio host, called the moment "embarrassing" but later deleted his tweet upon learning of Gus's disabilities.

However, many conservatives defended Gus. Ben Shapiro called the moment "really sweet," and fellow Daily Wire commentator Matt Walsh criticized the attacks on Gus, calling them "the dumbest move" by right-wingers. Ana Navarro, a centrist Republican commentator, shared her empathy for the Walz family, noting the emotional toll the attacks had taken on Gwen Walz after her son’s viral moment.