Peanut the Squirrel Becomes Right-Wing Symbol in Last Election Push

Peanut, a beloved squirrel with a social media following, became an unexpected rallying symbol for the right after his death last week. Rescued years ago by Mark Longo, Peanut’s life took a turn when New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized him, ending in a controversial euthanasia that quickly captured conservative attention.

Longo described the raid as over-the-top, detailing how authorities searched his home for hours, questioned his wife’s immigration status, and even restricted his bathroom access. His testimony, widely reported by the New York Post, fueled right-wing claims of Democratic overreach and resonated with a large online audience.

Memes and Social Media: “Justice for Peanut”

The story caught fire on social media. Influential figures like Elon Musk amplified the narrative, posting memes and statements in support of Peanut. A wave of fan-made content soon followed, showing Peanut’s “spirit” protecting Trump or calling for voters to “avenge” him, turning the squirrel into an unexpected cultural icon.

For Trump supporters, Peanut became a symbol of what they view as unchecked Democratic power. Prominent figures on the right used Peanut’s story to motivate voters, emphasizing themes of freedom and individual rights. Mike Benz of the Foundation For Freedom Online even speculated on whether Peanut’s story could sway undecided voters.

Peanut’s story reflects a broader pattern of internet-driven narratives that have characterized GOP campaigns in recent years. Trump’s focus on online controversies, from the Peanut saga to Disney boycotts, has shifted the campaign away from traditional issues, with mixed reactions among voters.

Not all of Trump’s supporters are on board with these online narratives. Right-wing influencer Nick Fuentes recently described Trumpism as a “cult,” signaling disillusionment with the movement’s fixation on fringe narratives.

An additional campaign misstep involved the “garbage” label. After a comedian at a Trump rally insulted Puerto Rico and Biden reportedly called Trump supporters “garbage,” Trump’s team tried to reclaim the label. However, the optics of Trump posing in a garbage truck offended some Puerto Rican voters, who viewed it as tone-deaf.

The Birth of PNUT in Memory of Peanut the Squirrel

The outpouring of support and memes following Peanut’s story led to the rapid creation of PNUT, a Solana-based meme coin, honoring the beloved squirrel’s memory. Within days, PNUT surged in popularity, reaching a market cap of over $120 million.

The coin’s launch tapped into the widespread public sentiment surrounding Peanut’s story, attracting crypto whales and retail investors alike who saw the coin as more than just a tribute—it became a statement.

As Trump’s campaign devoted time to online narratives like Peanut and the garbage controversy, many wonder if it detracted from traditional campaign strategies. While Peanut’s story captured attention, it may not be enough to sway the broader electorate as Trump faces the challenge of converting online engagement into real-world votes.

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