Donald Trump rips NY officials for euthanizing social media sensation Peanut the Squirrel

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump released a statement condemning New York authorities for euthanizing two animals, a pet squirrel named Peanut and a raccoon named Fred, that had become popular on social media.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed the animals’ euthanasia after they were seized from their owner, Mark Longo, who had turned them into social media stars through posts on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.

Donald Trump calls Peanut 'innocent by all accounts'

Donald Trump’s statement on Saturday, November 2, was blunt in its criticism of New York’s handling of the situation, characterizing the raid as a misallocation of state resources.

He called Peanut “innocent by all accounts” and argued that state officials put more effort into removing a pet squirrel than addressing the challenges of illegal immigration in New York.

“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,” read the former president's statement.

“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,” he added

Trump's remarks also included a sarcastic suggestion that the squirrel might have been spared if he had “gained the ability to speak” and presented himself as an “illegal migrant,” implying that such resources would have been diverted elsewhere.

“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," he continued.

"Instead, he was taken from his family. Very sad, and a complete waste of resources!” Trump added, as per Mediaite.

The Republican presidential nominee concluded by stating, “When we win, we will get our priorities in order and MAGA!”

Mark Longo blames the Internet for his pets’ fate

Mark Longo, devastated by the loss of his pets, also took to Instagram to express his frustration.

In a heated post, he blamed the Internet and those who reported his animals to the DEC, saying their “selfishness” led to their demise.

“Well internet, you WON,” Longo wrote, adding, “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,” he added.

Longo expressed his outrage, sharing that he felt as if he were “a drug dealer” during the raid, which he described as invasive and unnecessary, according to Associated Press.

He explained that DEC agents arrived at his home in response to “multiple reports from the public” regarding the “potentially unsafe housing” of Peanut and Fred, as well as their classification as illegal wildlife pets that could pose a rabies risk.