Republicans are suddenly sharing lots of cat pictures on social networks during the US election. But why? This has to do with statements made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance.
The American town of Springfield is notorious for its bizarre residents and their strange behavior. Does this also include the eating of dogs and cats by immigrant Haitians? That’s exactly what JD Vance, Donald Trump’s vice presidential candidate, claims. The Republican means the real city of Springfield in the state of Ohio – and not the fictional home of the famous Simpsons TV family.
AI-generated cat image with a political message
Authorities in Springfield are not aware of any pet incidents
These completely derogatory allegations have been making the rounds for some time. US media have investigated and, citing authorities in the city allegedly affected, report that no such incidents are known. But the rumor quickly became an election campaign meme on social media: Conservative Senator Ted Cruz posted a cat photo on Platform X that read: “Please vote for Trump so that migrants from Haiti don’t eat us.”
Cruz triggered a real photo boom, with both Donald Trump and his supporters spreading pictures of cats and ducks generated with artificial intelligence. Tech billionaire and X-owner Musk shared a picture of a chick and a cat on his platform and wrote: “Save them.”
Vance himself also followed up: “Over the past few weeks, my office has received many inquiries from Springfield residents reporting that their neighbors’ pets or local animals have been abducted by Haitian migrants. It is of course possible that all of these are Proving rumors to be false.”
Republican candidate Trump shared a picture on his own network Truth Social of himself on a plane surrounded by cats and ducks. He also posted a picture of a cat holding a machine gun and wearing a MAGA cap. MAGA stands for “Make America Great Again” and is Trump’s campaign motto.
Migration important in the US election
Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace posted an AI-generated image on X showing Trump with a cat under his arm and a goose next to him.
The issue of migration plays an important role in the US election campaign. As Vice President, Kamala Harris was, among other things, responsible for the issue. Her opponent in the presidential election on November 5th, former President Trump, repeatedly attacks the 59-year-old on this issue and accuses her of failing.
Kamala Harris reacts mockingly
Trump also mentioned the pet rumor in the TV debate with Kamala Harris. The Democratic opponent reacted mockingly to his statement: “When you talk about extreme,” she said with a smile.
