Here's why Pete Buttigieg's husband Chasten hopes to inspire their children through Gus Walz

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, expressed his admiration for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s heartfelt connection with his children.

Walz made an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday, August 21, during which his son Guz Walz, who is "non-verbal" made an emotional gesture, reflecting his love towards him.

Gus Walz moved to tears during Tim Walz's speech

Chasten Buttigieg shared his hopes of inspiring his own children with the same passion and dedication that Gus Walz has.

“I hope to inspire my kids so much that when they see me speak of the dreams and passion I have for my country, they are moved to tears like Gus Walz was," Chasten wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Gus, the 17-year-old son of Governor Walz, was visibly emotional as he stood alongside his mother, Gwen, and sister, Hope, while his father addressed the convention.

With tears streaming down his face, Gus cheered on his father and even pumped his fist when Tim spoke about the family’s struggles with fertility.

“Gus, Hope, and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you,” Tim said during his speech, prompting his son to jump up and exclaim, “That’s my dad!”

The moment resonated with many across the political spectrum, with the emotional clip going viral online. Both Democrats and Republicans have shared their thoughts, with some offering support and others criticism.

Chasten Buttigieg praises Tim Walz's dedication to his family

Reflecting on the emotional moment, Chasten Buttigieg praised Tim Walz’s commitment to his family.

“@Tim_Walz has dedicated his life to service and has clearly exceeded in being an excellent, supportive, and loving father every step of the way. We should all be so lucky to know a love like that,” Chasten continued on X.

"Politics can and should be so much better than going after someone's kid. Attacking someone's child because of your political disagreements is weird and unbecoming of anyone who considers themselves a leader or, frankly, an adult," he wrote in another post slamming critics mocking Gus for tearing up

Tim and his wife, Gwen, also revealed the challenges their son Gus has faced, in a statement to People.

"When he was becoming a teenager, we learned that Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder in addition to an anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that millions of Americans also have," they shared.

"It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power," they added.

Internet responds to Chasten Buttigieg's praise for Tim and Gus Walz

Netizens responded to Chaste Buttigieg's remarks with a mix of admiration and criticism.

One user on X wrote, "Well said!! It was a beautiful moment. So glad I got to witness it." Another added, "That reaction was real and raw. The feeling every parent aspires to."

"I very much concur with your thoughtful, loving comment," wrote one more. "Well said my dear man. Gus Walz lives the spirit of genuine love for his dear Dad. A moving moment for sure," expressed one.

Another suggested, "Chasten, start planning what your platform is going to be as First Gentleman. You’re gonna need it." One critic remarked, "You are so dedicated to your kids you made sure they will never have a mother raising them."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.