MAGA’s Animal Nationalism
The Atlantic
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Trump administration has made significant strides in advancing animal welfare, marking a unique shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. Despite his history of dehumanizing rhetoric towards certain groups, Trump has championed measures to protect animals, including banning Navy dog and cat testing, ending monkey research at the CDC, and curbing animal use at the FDA. These actions have been supported by key figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who have even formed a "strike force" targeting puppy mills and dog-fighting rings. This focus on animals aligns with broader trends in right-wing politics, where illiberal factions in countries like Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, and the UK have also embraced animal welfare as part of their nationalist agendas.
The administration's commitment extends beyond policy changes; it has even received praise from activist groups like PETA. This paradox—where a leader known for dehumanizing immigrants and political opponents shows profound concern for animals—is notable. Trump’s appointees, including Bondi and Kennedy, have personal affinities for animals that influence their policies. For instance, Bondi often brings dogs to meetings adorned with bows, while Kennedy has kept exotic pets like ravens and an emu.
This intersection of nationalism and animal welfare reflects a broader shift in political rhetoric and priorities. In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson used imagery of mistreated animals to justify Brexit, positioning animal welfare as a central issue in nationalist projects. Similarly, the Trump administration’s actions suggest that appealing to the moral concerns of voters regarding animals can serve political agendas, even for leaders with controversial human rights records.
This trend matters because it highlights how politics can blend cultural values with policy decisions. By framing animal welfare as a national priority, governments can resonate with public sentiment and bolster their legitimacy. For readers interested in politics, understanding this fusion of nationalism and compassion for animals offers insight into the evolving strategies of conservative movements worldwide. It underscores how seemingly unrelated issues—like animal rights—can become tools for advancing ideological agendas, blending empathy with power dynamics in unexpected ways.
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/22/2026