On social networks, and particularly X, the video of a squirrel euthanized by the city of New York caused a lot of noise in the pro-Trump sphere. Supporters of the Republican candidate, including Elon Musk and his entourage, accuse Kamala Harris and the Democrats of being insensitive to the animal. They suggest that Donald Trump is the only solution for the squirrels.
On the weekend of November 2, 2024, Donald Trump's supporters discovered a new passion: squirrels.
On A large number of them come from pro-Trump accounts and certain far-right movements, which are attempting a pirouette to link Kamala Harris to the assassination. The idea behind it is simple: vote Donald Trump and the squirrels will be saved.
The frenzy around Peanut the Squirrel is such that some observers of American political life are wondering about the impact that this sensational video could have on votes on election day, scheduled for November 5. Elon Musk, the owner of
What happened to Peanut the Squirrel?
In a video with sad music seen several million times, we discover Mark Longo and Peanut, his pet squirrel.
For several years, Mark Longo has made himself known on TikTok with videos of his life with a squirrel. The New Yorker adopted Peanut and takes care of him as if he were a dog. The friendship between man and animal has something to touch many people.
Problem: Keeping a pet squirrel is illegal in New York. The city's environmental department discovered Peanut's detention and went to seize the squirrel, then euthanized it. This decision, legally founded, but considered cruel, can only cause pain. Especially since it wasn't just Peanut who was euthanized: Mark Longo also raised a raccoon. But it was especially the squirrel that moved America.
Why are Elon Musk and pro-Trump people accusing Kamala Harris?
Peanut's story is sad, but what does it have to do with Kamala Harris?
There really isn't one, but Donald Trump supporters are ready to use it to increase the Republican candidate's chances of victory in this election. Playing the chord of sensitivity can be effective in politics — and with both sides neck and neck, every lever counts.
Among the criticisms coming from the Donald Trump clan are the fact that New York is a Democratic city, that the police should chase migrants instead of squirrels and that Kamala Harris herself served as a judge (in California ). The right to keep a squirrel is also used as a guarantee of freedom, a notion that Kamala Harris would like to tackle, according to Republicans, once elected.
In several interviews, we can see Mark Longo, in tears, telling his story. The New Yorker is not calling for a vote for Donald Trump, but supporters of the Republican candidate nevertheless link him to their cause. They see it as proof that an authoritarian government, like that of Kamala Harris, could come and murder your animals in your home.
Is Donald Trump really the pet advocate his fans seem to believe? Historically, the Republican Party has never distinguished itself by defending animals. There is a certain hypocrisy in this savior status, since a Donald Trump in power would have had no impact on the decision of the New York health authorities. The billionaire has not spoken on the subject.
Elon Musk, who uses X to campaign for Donald Trump, is the first to multiply tweets about the squirrel, sometimes with inappropriate montages. The death of the animal allows him to legitimize his “radicalization”, while using humor and memes to divert the situation to his advantage.
In the age of social networks and opinion bubbles, the Peanut episode perfectly illustrates what kills politics. No one debates anymore: platforms only serve to convey ideas and anger. Donald Trump's clan understands this well, and no one seems to find it useful to ask Mark Longo for his opinion.
