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Donald Trump's robot dog, Spot, captured the attention of millions of social media users. A video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, December 2, by C-SPAN Comms Director Howard Mortman showed the robot dog patrolling the former and future American President's West Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago residence.
The video showcased the robot dog walking back and forth scouring the area while a group of children and adults enjoyed a day out at the Mar-a-Lago. Mortman's video which initially received over 6,000 views was later shared by Trending Politics co-owner Collin Rugg. Rugg's tweet went viral and amassed over 5.7 million views.
Social media users were fascinated by the robot dog and complimented its ability to spot intruders. Journalist and podcast host Nick Sortor tweeted:
"Instead of fetching tennis balls, it fetches bad guys. I want one."
Similar reactions followed as netizens predicted that the dog would someday end up being a hero. Some social media users wanted the dog to protect the country's borders while others simply wanted the robot pup for themselves. Here are a few reactions to Spot scouring the Mar-a-Lago:
"I'm making a prediction that Spot will become a hero by the end of 2025", proclaimed prominent X user @greg16676935420.
"We need this kinda stuff on the border. Guarding our BIG WALL! lol, " thought another netizen.
"Get me one for Christmas! Where do I link my Amazon list?! 😂", joked famous X user Chuck Callesto.
More social media users wanted to know more about Spot's capabilities, leading to some serious and other hilarious speculative questions.
"does spot have a flamethrower?", asked one curious user.
"can spot traverse slightly slanted roofs?", asked yet another user.
"You just know that dog is packing serious firepower…", speculated another X user.
"So does this dog just laser bad guys or what", asked yet another user.
Donald Trump's robot dog is deployed by the United States Secret Service
Photos and videos of Spot patrolling Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence first went viral in early November. It was even seen looking out as future Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance was playing with his kids. Large signs on the remote-controlled robot dog's legs read "DO NOT PET".
In November, The United States Secret Service confirmed to The New York Post that the dog belonged to the agency and was manufactured by Boston Dynamics. A spokesperson for the agency told the publication that safeguarding the president-elect was their "top priority". The spokesperson added:
"While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations."
According to VIN News, the two-foot tall and four-foot-long robot dog was brought into the fold shortly after Donald Trump's sweeping 2024 election victory. Spot was brought as part of enhanced security measures for the president-elect, who survived two assassination attempts.
