Tim Walz Draws Criticism for Aggressive Behavior in Viral Video

An otherwise celebratory night for Democrats was briefly overshadowed on Wednesday when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appeared to aggressively pull his special needs son closer during a family appearance onstage.

The final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago reached its zenith with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s nomination for president alongside Walz as her running mate. As confetti fell on the stage, the political pair was joined by their immediate families, creating a moment of unity. However, observers noted a troubling incident the night prior involving Walz and his son, Gus, who is neurodivergent. The governor’s demeanor seemed less than paternal as he tugged visibly at Gus’s arm, who is 17 and has both a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder, to keep him closer during the public event.

WATCH:

Tim Walz has come under fire for aggressively pulling his son Gus Walz’s arm on stage at the Democratic National Convention.

This incident was captured on the third day of the event (Wednesday), coinciding with Walz’s speech.

Gus, 17, reportedly has a…”

Commentators swiftly took to social media to either justify or condemn Governor Walz’s treatment of his son, who had been seen earlier in the evening dabbing at his teary eyes and expressing love for his father from the crowd. Critics remarked that this response was reflective of a politician who had, in their view, misrepresented aspects of his past, including his military service. “You just saw the REAL fake coach Tim Walz for who he is: an absolutely disgusting and sorry excuse for a human being,” one user expressed. Another suggested that the family might be fully aware of their father’s behavior, implying deeper issues within the dynamic. “Narcissistic, controlling POS. So many skeletons in that closet! His wife looks beaten down,” another commenter claimed.

You just saw the REAL fake coach Tim Walz for who he is, an absolutely disgusting and sorry excuse for a human being.

Only God knows what he’s like behind closed doors.

Others speculated that Walz, who transitioned from a congressman to Minnesota’s governor in 2018, may not be the amiable, wholesome figure he presents to the public. One person remarked, “Imagine how he treats him in private.” A nurse, sharing her personal experience of caregiving for her older brother with similar challenges, expressed shock, stating, “I cannot imagine treating him that way.”

Imagine how he treats him in private.

So awful. I have guardianship of my big brother. I cannot imagine treating him that way.

During the convention, Harris delivered a powerful address that not only targeted former President Donald Trump but also emphasized a unifying vision for the country. “Our nation with this election has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris affirmed, as reported by major news outlets. “A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”

In response to her remarks, Trump quickly took to Fox News, criticizing Harris for lacking a tangible record under her administration as the vice president. “All of these things that she talked about — ‘We are going to do this, we are going to do that’ — but she didn’t do any of it!” Mr. Trump retorted, adding that she failed to address critical issues like China, energy policies, and rising crime rates. Late-night posts from Trump further mocked Harris’s speech, stating, “SHE HAS LED US INTO FAILING NATION STATUS!” and pointing out her omission of pressing topics affecting the nation.

Trump’s commentary reached a crescendo as he shared his admiration for the New York Post, juxtaposing Harris, Biden, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a satirical cartoon aimed at their perceived theatricality.