WASHINGTON — In a move that has startled political insiders and branding experts alike, the Republican National Committee announced Monday it will retire its century-old elephant logo, citing concerns about the ethical treatment and public perception of the animal.
RNC Chairwoman BeLinda Fairbanks said the decision came after months of quiet discussions with animal rights organizations, who argued that the party’s iconic symbol inadvertently promoted the use of elephants in captivity and commercial entertainment.
“While the elephant has served as a proud emblem of our party since 1874, we believe it’s time to reflect evolving values,” Fairbanks said at a morning press conference. “We can stand for tradition and still acknowledge that these majestic creatures deserve protection, not exploitation.”
The move follows a steady wave of global campaigns aimed at ending the use of elephants in circuses, tourism, and other industries that critics say cause physical and psychological harm to the animals. In recent years, several major companies — including tour operators and luxury hotels — have dropped elephant-related branding.
Party strategists said the rebrand will roll out in phases. For now, campaign merchandise will simply bear the party’s initials, “GOP,” while the RNC explores potential new symbols. A shortlist reportedly includes the American bison, the bald eagle, and — in a nod to fiscal conservatism — a shield with crossed gavels.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from Republicans nationwide. Some welcomed the change as an opportunity to modernize the party’s image, while others accused the leadership of bowing to “performative activism.”
“This is just virtue signaling,” said Rep. Thomas Hartgrave (D-TN). “Next thing you know, we’ll be apologizing to donkeys, too.”
RNC Chairwoman BeLinda Fairbanks said the decision came after months of quiet discussions with animal rights organizations, who argued that the party’s iconic symbol inadvertently promoted the use of elephants in captivity and commercial entertainment.
“While the elephant has served as a proud emblem of our party since 1874, we believe it’s time to reflect evolving values,” Fairbanks said at a morning press conference. “We can stand for tradition and still acknowledge that these majestic creatures deserve protection, not exploitation.”
The move follows a steady wave of global campaigns aimed at ending the use of elephants in circuses, tourism, and other industries that critics say cause physical and psychological harm to the animals. In recent years, several major companies — including tour operators and luxury hotels — have dropped elephant-related branding.
Party strategists said the rebrand will roll out in phases. For now, campaign merchandise will simply bear the party’s initials, “GOP,” while the RNC explores potential new symbols. A shortlist reportedly includes the American bison, the bald eagle, and — in a nod to fiscal conservatism — a shield with crossed gavels.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from Republicans nationwide. Some welcomed the change as an opportunity to modernize the party’s image, while others accused the leadership of bowing to “performative activism.”
“This is just virtue signaling,” said Rep. Thomas Hartgrave (D-TN). “Next thing you know, we’ll be apologizing to donkeys, too.”
President Donald Trump (R) condoned the decision, noting he owns a pet bull elephant named Teddy, after Teddy Roosevelt. As a calf, the elephant resided in the Trump Tower penthouse but was moved to the Brooklyn Zoo due to its increasing size and excessive flatulence.
Animal rights advocates, however, praised the move as a symbolic victory.
“It may seem like just a logo, but symbolism matters,” said Mariah Ellison, spokesperson for the group Protect Wild Elephants. “When one of the most recognizable political parties in the world makes this shift, it sends a powerful message about compassion and progress.”
The GOP plans to unveil its new logo ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle. Until then, the party’s official website features a simple banner reading: “The future has no chains.”
Animal rights advocates, however, praised the move as a symbolic victory.
“It may seem like just a logo, but symbolism matters,” said Mariah Ellison, spokesperson for the group Protect Wild Elephants. “When one of the most recognizable political parties in the world makes this shift, it sends a powerful message about compassion and progress.”
The GOP plans to unveil its new logo ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle. Until then, the party’s official website features a simple banner reading: “The future has no chains.”
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| Donald Trump's pet bull elephant, Teddy, visited The White House on Easter Sunday, 2025. |
The shift was revealed through a collaboration between DailyKenn.com and KennGividen.com, who partnered with chatbots to craft the satirical yet believable news story.
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