Fake Trump Statement On Peanut The Squirrel Sparks Buzz

You can’t believe everything you read on social media, and a statement circulating online about Donald Trump speaking about Peanut the Squirrel is further proof of that.

A press release from Trump regarding the popular internet squirrel, who was shockingly euthanized by the state a few days ago, has social media buzzing. Not long after the statement hit the internet, it was revealed that Trump had nothing to do with it.

According to TMZ, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, said that the statement about the squirrel’s death that began circulating on social media Saturday morning is not real.

“There have been horrible reports out of New York, my former home state, where state environmental agents raided the home of Mark Longo and his wife. Mark was taken into custody for hours while officials searched his home and eventually took two of their pets, Fred the Raccoon and Peanut the Squirrel. These animals were later executed by the state of New York,” the false statement reads.

“New York authorities, under their terrible Governor, put more effort into finding and eliminating a squirrel, who was innocent by all accounts than they do to control the unchecked illegal immigrants who have flooded into their state.”

The fake statement went on to say, “If Peanut could have told them he was from Mexico, they would have sent him on his way and given him a hotel room and a $500 gift card to Buddy Squirrel.”

Earlier this week, Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, took to Instagram to share that his pet squirrel and raccoon were both seized from his home by the state. He also emotionally shared the tragic news that his furry friends were euthanized.

“Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you. Today at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024…The NYC State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED,” he wrote in his Instagram caption.

“I’m in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to, PNUT. For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally.”

Longo and his wife shared their raw emotions in a video on Instagram on Friday.

“I just want to say thank you to all of you. Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us, and we got confirmation that they put him down,” he said. “I want to continue to fight this fight as much as I can, but we need all of you to come together and help us. Please continue to help us to raise money for the ongoing legal battles and for the nonprofit so we can keep Peanut’s name alive. Thank you all.”

Many followers took to the comment section to share their sadness and anger over the situation.

“To the people the reported Mark SHAME ON YOU!! Peanut and Fred had a better life the wild animals do!!! Shame on you and there is a special place for y’all!! I am so sorry for the lost of an innocent pure soul,” one person wrote. Another added, “I’m so sorry, that’s so beyond evil. You can hunt and kill squirrels but you can’t provide them protection and a loving home? What a broken world.”

A petition on Change.org and a GoFundMe fundraiser are asking fans and animal lovers for help with change and reform.

The petition has nearly 40,000 signatures so far and the GoFundMe has raised more than $54,000. The GoFundMe description shares more of the story.

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief. To add to our anguish, they informed the media of their decision before even notifying P’nuts Freedom Farm, his loving home. This demonstrates a troubling lack of respect and empathy. Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence,” the description reads.

“We urgently call on all of you to stand with us in demanding accountability from the DEC and the New York State government.  We must advocate for a more passionate approach to wildlife management to ensure that no other animals suffer such a fate. Together, we can amplify our voices and fight for the change that is desperately needed.”

Longo and his wife, Daniela, told TMZ that they are already in the process of taking legal action. Mark said, “Peanut did not die in vain!”

Longo also told TMZ that while his heart is broken, it’s also full thanks to all the support he’s getting from strangers online.

A recently shared Instagram post shares a letter to Peanut and Fred that tugs at the heartstrings.

“Dear Peanut and Fred, We hope this letter finds you surrounded by love and light. It feels so heavy to write this, knowing how cruel the world can be. We want to express how truly sorry we are for the way things ended for you. It breaks our hearts that there were mean people who took you away from us, people who didn’t understand the joy and love you brought to our lives,” the caption begins.

It goes on to say, “In the wake of your loss, something beautiful is happening. People are coming together, demanding change, and raising funds to ensure that your kingdom lives on. They’re advocating for a world where animals are treated with the kindness and respect you both deserved. It’s heartening to see so many passionate souls uniting to protect and honor your memory. Their efforts will help create a safer, more loving environment for all the animals, ensuring that your legacy continues to inspire change.”