Summary
- Elon Musk’s meme on Peanut squirrel’s euthanization vs. Epstein case sparks debate
- Peanut seized by NY DEC, euthanized; owner Longo mourns
- Musk criticizes gov’t for unaddressed Epstein “client list”
- X thread explodes with outrage, humor, conspiracy theories
- Experts note wildlife laws vs. Epstein case stagnation
In a viral X post that has ignited a firestorm of debate, tech mogul Elon Musk juxtaposed the bizarre arrest and euthanization of a pet squirrel named Peanut with the unresolved case of Jeffrey Epstein, accusing the government of misplaced priorities.
Posted at 17:28 UTC on July 8, 2025, Musk’s meme—featuring a character pointing to a whiteboard declaring “More squirrels and raccoons have been arrested than anyone on Epstein’s client list”—has racked up millions of views, thrusting an unusual animal rights controversy into the heart of a long-simmering conspiracy. The saga began earlier this year when Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers, was seized from its owner, Mark Longo, by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The agency cited illegal wildlife possession, leading to Peanut’s controversial euthanization in November 2024. Longo, who had cared for the injured squirrel for seven years, expressed “deep shock and grief,” sparking a public outcry and an ongoing internal DEC investigation. The incident has since become a symbol of perceived government overreach, with critics like Musk drawing parallels to more serious unaddressed crimes.
Musk’s post, accompanied by a follow-up lamenting Peanut’s death while noting the lack of charges against Epstein’s associates, reignited interest in the disgraced financier’s case. Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 under murky circumstances officially ruled a suicide, left behind a trail of allegations involving powerful figures. Despite a 2023 U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General report criticizing FBI negligence and a 2025 FBI promise to release surveillance footage (with a perplexing one-minute gap), no high-profile individuals have faced prosecution. This has fueled conspiracy theories, with Musk’s meme amplifying the narrative of a “broken” government shielding elites.
The X thread exploded with reactions. Users like @AmericaPartyX called it “pure insanity,” while @DefiantLs and @VivekRammaswamy demanded the “Epstein files” be exposed, sharing images questioning official silence. Humorous takes, such as a *South Park* meme from @CNviolations depicting the FBI losing the list, mingled with serious allegations from @GodandCountryy, suggesting the FBI protects a CIA blackmail network. Even a cowboy-hat-wearing squirrel image from @AutismCapital hinted at the absurdity of the discourse. Experts weigh in with mixed perspectives.
A 2021 *Nature Communications* study on human-wildlife conflicts notes that legal frameworks often prioritize public safety, potentially justifying Peanut’s fate. Yet, the Epstein case’s stagnation—despite documented evidence like flight logs—raises questions about selective enforcement. A recent DOJ-FBI memo acknowledges the existence of a “client list,” contradicting earlier denials, though access remains restricted. As the clock ticks past midnight in India, the debate rages on. Is this a tale of bureaucratic absurdity or a deeper commentary on justice? Musk’s provocative post has undeniably blurred the lines, turning a squirrel’s tragic end into a rallying cry for accountability. For now, the world watches as Peanut’s legacy—and Epstein’s shadow—continue to stir the pot.