In the days leading up to the 2024 presidential election, an unlikely star captured the attention of the conservative world. Peanut, a beloved squirrel with over 720,000 Instagram followers, became a symbol of government overreach and political martyrdom for right-wing personalities. This tiny creature, affectionately known as P'Nut, was tragically euthanized after a raid by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and his story has stirred a national conversation.
The Tale of Peanut and His Charismatic Owner
Peanut was not just any squirrel. He had a devoted social media following and a unique life with his muscular, often shirtless owner, Mark Longo, a social media influencer and OnlyFans model with a notable gay fanbase. Longo’s Instagram posts featuring Peanut, sometimes alongside videos highlighting his own physique, turned the duo into internet sensations. As Longo's following grew, Peanut became an adored online presence, delighting fans with his adorable antics.
Seven years ago, Longo found Peanut as an orphaned baby squirrel (known as a "kit") and raised him as a pet. However, New York’s strict laws prohibit keeping squirrels and raccoons as pets, and this included Peanut and Longo’s other pet, a raccoon named Fred. Longo and his partner opened an animal sanctuary, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, in April 2023. Unfortunately, after multiple complaints about the sanctuary, the DEC conducted a raid on Longo’s property. During this raid, Peanut reportedly bit an officer, which led the DEC to euthanize both Peanut and Fred due to potential rabies concerns.
The Controversy: Was Peanut’s Euthanasia Necessary?
The DEC explained its decision to euthanize the animals as a precautionary measure, citing the risk of rabies. However, critics argue that euthanizing Peanut was excessive, considering he had been raised in Longo’s home for years without any signs of disease. Experts pointed out that a simple blood test could have determined his rabies status without the need for euthanasia. Longo, deeply shaken by the loss, gave exclusive interviews to the New York Post, expressing his anger and sadness over how authorities handled the situation.
"They treated me like I was a terrorist,” Longo told the Post, recounting the hours-long raid. He further condemned those who reported him, saying, "To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you."
Peanut's Transformation into a Right-Wing Martyr
Though neither Longo nor Peanut displayed overt political leanings on social media, the story quickly gained traction in conservative circles. The New York Post’s coverage, combined with Longo’s statements about government overreach, attracted the attention of right-wing personalities and media figures. The tragedy became emblematic of supposed governmental overreach, and figures like Elon Musk and JD Vance rallied to Peanut’s defense, turning the squirrel’s story into a meme.
Musk even shared a humorous AI-generated image of Peanut, reimagining him as a heroic figure, likening him to "Obi P’Nut Kenobi" with the caption, “If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” Politicians like Vance also invoked Peanut’s story in campaign speeches, painting the DEC’s actions as a direct affront to personal freedoms.
The Cultural Impact and Fundraising Success
Following Peanut’s death, Longo successfully raised over $180,000 in donations, funds he says will go toward expanding his animal sanctuary’s mission. Supporters across the political spectrum have donated, with many citing their anger over what they see as government interference in Longo’s personal life and animal rights.
Peanut’s journey, from an Instagram-famous squirrel to a right-wing cultural icon, underscores how even the smallest lives can become symbols in larger political narratives. For some, Peanut represents government overreach; for others, his story is a reminder of the emotional pull that animal rights issues can have. Either way, Peanut’s legacy lives on, proving that in today’s hyperconnected world, fame—and controversy—can come from the most unexpected places.