The White House under the administration of Donald Trump paid homage to Harambe the gorilla in an unusual social media post commemorating the late zoo animal, who gained fame as a viral meme. The official US government Twitter account remembered Harambe, who tragically died on May 28 at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ohio. Harambe was fatally shot by zoo staff after he pulled a young child into his enclosure, sparking a national outcry and becoming a popular internet meme.

Described as a “true patriot” by the White House, Harambe was hailed as more than just a meme, with the administration expressing that he remains in their hearts a decade after his passing. The post reminisced about the unity and impact Harambe symbolized, emphasizing his lasting legacy in the online community. The tribute marked the anniversary of his death, prompting a wave of memes and briefly reigniting the incident that drew Trump’s attention during his presidential campaign in 2016.

Trump had previously commented on the Harambe incident, noting the beauty of the gorilla’s interaction with the child despite the dangerous situation. While acknowledging the difficult decision zoo staff faced in shooting Harambe, Trump expressed regret that there wasn’t an alternative resolution. Harambe, born in captivity in 1999, was a beloved figure who captured the hearts of many before his untimely death.

Since Donald Trump’s return to power, the White House’s social media presence has been dominated by memes, including AI-generated content featuring Trump in various roles, such as a Star Wars Sith Lord.