US election politics due to the death of the Peanut squirrel – Killing of the Peanut squirrel in the 2024 US election – the latest point of conflict between Trump and Harris

The run-up to the US presidential election saw a showdown between Democrats and Republicans over a range of pressing issues including taxes, abortion rights and even claims that immigrants eat pets. But in the days before the world's largest economy goes to the polls, the Death of internet sensation Peanut the squirrel has become the latest flashpoint between the two parties.

the squirrel, who had over 540,000 Instagram followersHe was confiscated from his owner's home last week and euthanized. His death has become a rallying point for supporters of Donald Trump, who himself was in the dock weeks ago for claiming immigrants in Ohio were eating cats.

From tech titan Elon Musk to Trump's vice presidential running mate JD Vance, Republicans have used social media to highlight the risks of government power and control.

The controversy was heightened by Trump's top supporter and the world's richest man, Elon Musk, who called the government a “mindless and heartless killing machine.” It was just one of the many posts Musk tweeted, including one showing the squirrel dressed as the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“The government kidnapped and executed an orphaned squirrel,” Musk said. He also stated that “President Donald Trump will save the squirrels.”

While Trump has yet to respond to the incident, JD Vance said the former president was “upset” by Peanut's euthanasia.

Donald Trump Jr. also attacked the Biden administration. “I can't believe the Democrats in New York killed the Elon Musk of squirrels!!!” he tweeted.

“It is time to vote out a government that kills a squirrel but is happy to knowingly allow 600,000 criminals, 13,000 murderers and 16,000 rapists into its country. “Perhaps Peanuts' murder will be the catalyst for real change and an awakening to our government's broken priorities.” Trump Jr. continued.

The Republican criticism comes at a time when much of the focus this year is on how much control the government should have. And now Peanut's death has given Trump supporters a baton with which to beat the Democrats.

Social media users are also a bit crazy about this and are calling for a change in the law that prohibits people from keeping harmless rescue animals.

Collin Rugg, a famous internet personality, said that Peanut's confiscation and euthanasia was a prime example of how government intervention had spiraled out of control.

Why was Peanut the squirrel euthanized?

Peanut, an orphaned squirrel, became a social media sensation after New Yorker Mark Longo rescued him seven years ago and began posting videos of him performing tricks and donning tiny costumes. Peanut soon amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok.

However, on October 30, authorities confiscated and euthanized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred over fears they might have been exposed to rabies. It sparked widespread outrage on social media and made “Justiceforpeanut” one of the top trends of the weekend.

Longo, who accused authorities of using excessive force during their visit to his home, said he would take legal action. A GoFundMe campaign he started has so far raised $156,000.

But this isn't the first time pets have played a role in the immigration debate this election season. Earlier this year, Trump amplified baseless claims that Haitian immigrants were eating cats in an Ohio town during his debate with his Democratic counterpart Kamala Harris.