In recent days, social media has been captivated by the story of Peanut the Squirrel, a popular pet with a massive following whose sudden euthanization by New York State authorities has sparked controversy and public outrage. The incident has even caught the attention of political figures like Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, both of whom weighed in on the matter, turning Peanut’s tragic story into a focal point of discussion as the U.S. presidential election approaches.
The Viral Story of Peanut the Squirrel
Peanut was more than just a pet to his owner, Mark Longo, and his family; he was an adored member of their household and a symbol for animal rescue awareness. Longo, who owns P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, frequently shared photos and videos of Peanut on social media, amassing over 559,000 Instagram followers. Peanut’s charming personality attracted a global audience, making him an internet sensation. However, this fame brought unintended consequences.
In late October, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received anonymous complaints regarding Peanut’s legality as a pet. As a result, state authorities obtained a search warrant, seized Peanut, and later euthanized him. This decision ignited a wave of protests from Longo, his family, and the public, who argued that Peanut posed no threat and questioned the severity of the state’s actions.
Blue states seem to care more about euthanizing squirrels than arresting burglars and drug dealers
— Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) November 2, 2024
Trump and Musk Respond to Peanut’s Fate
Donald Trump’s campaign initially found itself in the spotlight after a fake press release began circulating on social media. The release, which claimed to be from Trump, humorously suggested that if Peanut had identified as “from Mexico,” he might have been spared and even received government assistance. This statement quickly went viral, with Trump’s actual spokesperson clarifying that it was a hoax.
My angle Peanut and Trump thing is doing pretty decent too pic.twitter.com/NlPUeCNH99
— Chad West (@Chad_WestReal) November 2, 2024
Nonetheless, Trump eventually released a genuine statement condemning New York’s handling of Peanut’s case, calling it a misuse of state resources. He likened the incident to the challenges of border control and vowed to address these priorities if elected, turning Peanut’s story into a broader critique of government power and priorities.
Elon Musk, who often comments on political and social issues, also took to his platform, X, to voice his disapproval. Known for his advocacy of individual rights, Musk questioned the state’s authority to seize and euthanize pets from private homes, amplifying the story’s reach and making it a trending topic on social media.
Social Media and Public Reaction
Following the statements from Trump and Musk, social media users flooded platforms with reactions, ranging from AI-generated artwork of Trump and Peanut to memes about government overreach. Many expressed outrage over what they saw as an unjust action against a harmless animal, while others debated the role of government in private lives.
This uproar reflects the broader societal divisions fueling the election season. Peanut’s story has come to symbolize a clash between government authority and personal freedoms, stirring passionate responses from people across the political spectrum. In a climate where many feel increasingly distrustful of government actions, Peanut’s case has reignited questions about oversight, individual rights, and state power.
A Divisive Reminder Amid Election Tensions
As the U.S. election looms, the story of Peanut the Squirrel serves as an emotional and symbolic reminder of the issues dividing voters. Both Trump and Musk have highlighted the incident as part of a larger narrative about government control, resonating with their followers and sparking deeper discussions.
Whether or not this incident will have any lasting political impact, one thing is certain: Peanut’s memory will live on, not only as a beloved pet but also as a flashpoint in the debate over personal freedoms and government authority.