Democrat Eric Swalwell slams viral Trump cat and duck memes: ‘What in the hell is this?’

A video of California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell reacting to viral memes of Donald Trump with cats and ducks has taken the internet by storm. MAGA supporters recently flooded social media with AI-generated images of Trump alongside pets after a bizarre conspiracy theory claimed that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pet cats and ducks. Although the theory has been debunked by local police, the memes have continued to spread, projecting Trump as a protector of animals.
In the viral clip, Swalwell is seen with one of the memes, posted by Republican House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, displayed behind him.Clearly exasperated, Swalwell exclaims, “What in the hell is this?” He then addressed Jordan directly, saying, “The chairman tweets to protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio because he’s gone down some crazy rabbit hole… My god, are you okay, Mr. Chairman?”

The conspiracy theory that triggered the memes had gained traction on social media but was swiftly debunked by police in Springfield, Ohio. They confirmed that there were no reports of immigrants abducting or eating pets, calling the viral claims completely false.
Swalwell didn’t hold back in his critique of Jordan’s recent social media activity. “Last year, you promoted Kanye West while he was calling for genocide against the Jews, and now you’re tweeting this nonsense,” he added. “I hope you’re okay. I don’t know if the aliens eating your ducks are in the room with us right now, but Mr. Chairman, this is a serious issue.”
Ohio Senator and Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance also weighed in, asking what Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he dubbed “the border czar,” was doing about the alleged pet abductions. “Where is our border czar?” Vance questioned on social media, though the police had already confirmed that no such incidents were reported.
JD Vance doubles down on false claims of Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio
Ohio’s Republican Vice Presidential candidate, JD Vance, is facing criticism for spreading unverified claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating pet cats and ducks. Local police have debunked the rumors, stating they have received no reports of such incidents. However, Vance remains undeterred, accusing the media of downplaying concerns and calling critics “crybabies.”
Vance defended his stance, citing numerous calls to his office from Springfield residents claiming their neighbors’ pets had gone missing due to Haitian migrants. “It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false,” Vance admitted. “But here’s what’s confirmed: a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here. Local health services are overwhelmed. Communicable diseases—like TB and HIV—are rising. Schools are struggling with newcomers who don’t speak English. And rents have skyrocketed, leaving Springfield families homeless.”
He further criticized the media and activists, accusing them of ignoring the struggles of Americans under the Biden-Harris administration. “Spare your outrage for your fellow citizens suffering under Kamala Harris’s policies,” he said.
The false claims have drawn widespread condemnation, with many accusing Vance of using misinformation to stoke fear and distract from more pressing issues. Despite the debunked conspiracy, Vance’s comments continue to fuel division in the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the 2024 election.