Vice-presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is under fire after a clip went viral on social media showing him aggressively yanking on his son’s arm on stage during the Democrat National Convention (DNC).
Gus Walz, the governor’s 17-year-old son who has a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder, originally “stole the show” at the DNC when he became emotional over seeing his father on stage, according to the mainstream media. The teen was seen emotionally mouthing “That’s my dad!” with tears streaming down his face while pointing to his father on stage at the event.
However, that “heartwarming moment” was quickly overshadowed by Walz’s actions when he brought his family up in front of the crowd.
A clip of the shocking moment went viral on social media, showing Walz with a scowl briefly appearing on his face as he aggressively pulled on his son’s arm to move him closer for a staged family moment in front of the cameras.
“Tim Walz is under fire for aggressively pulling his son Gus Walz’s arm on stage at the Democratic National Convention… Some are theorizing that Walz was pulling Gus’ arm out of anger while others say he was simply excited in the moment,” wrote conservative commentator Collin Rugg.
Tim Walz is under fire for aggressively pulling his son Gus Walz’s arm on stage at the Democratic National Convention.
The incident was apparently filmed on the third day of the event (Wednesday), the same day Walz gave his speech.
Gus is 17-years-old and reportedly has a… pic.twitter.com/5yMWpgy8Ur
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 23, 2024
One user commented his opinion, arguing that Walz “doesn’t look excited. He looks frustrated and annoyed. That can’t spin this.”
Rugg agreed with the assessment, responding: “His face does look more frustrated than it typically does.”
His face does look more frustrated than it typically does.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 23, 2024
Meanwhile, other users were far less charitable in their interpretation of the moment, with many accusing the far-left governor of using his son as a political prop.
“Tim showing his true colors, looks very unnecessary. Glad he put it on display for all of America to see,” one user wrote.
Tim showing his true colors, looks very unnecessary.
Glad he put it on display for all of America to see.
— just1n (@just1nvest) August 23, 2024
“Tim Walz pulling his son’s arm on stage is more than just a bad look—it’s a sign of weak control and poor judgment. Whether it’s anger or excitement, using your kid as a prop in front of cameras is just pathetic. We all know he is a POS,” another user wrote.
Tim Walz pulling his son's arm on stage is more than just a bad look—it's a sign of weak control and poor judgment.
Whether it's anger or excitement, using your kid as a prop in front of cameras is just pathetic. We all know he is a POS . pic.twitter.com/udOl0rkn9E
— mandala (@mandala_mandy) August 23, 2024
“Tim Walz seems pretty abusive,” wrote comedian and podcast host Tim Young.
Tim Walz seems pretty abusive…
All the people offended by the comments about Tim Walz's son will surely lose their minds watching this.pic.twitter.com/sfFFAcYG9N
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) August 23, 2024
