"Probably Elon's best robo pup"- Netizens react as video of Robot dog patrolling Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate goes viral
Following Donald Trump's presidential election win on Tuesday, a robotic dog was seen patrolling the area of his Mar-a-Lago house in Palm Beach on Thursday. In a statement to Nexstar, the U.S. Secret Service's Chief Communication Officer, Anthony Guglielmi, referred to the robot as a "high-tech hound." He mentioned that "safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority."
Guglielmi 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."
During the 2024 presidential race, the 78-year-old Republican presidential-elect faced two assassination attempts. According to NBC's News Channel 8, the FBI claimed that another assassination attempt allegedly by Iran was on its way, which they managed to thwart. Soon after, as seen in a video posted by Reuters, the robot dog was roaming around Donald's Mar-a-Lago estate. The video went viral online, and netizens took to X to react on the same.
One user said:
"Probably Elons best robo pup"
"Better make sure they are loyal," commented another person.
"We need 1,000 Optimus at Mar-a-lago and at the WH when Trump is officially in office," said one.
Comments online expressed excitement about futuristic security measures for Trump’s family and potential administration, with one suggesting their use at the border.
"And let's get EVERYTHING futuristic that will blow away anyone that tries to pull sh*t on Trump and his family and potential administration," wrote another.
"I can’t wait until they use those for the border," commented one X user.
Some people questioned the reliability of these robots.
"If you can't trust humans... Then again, how hackable are these?" wrote one.
"Still less dangerous than Biden's psychotic dog...", commented one, referring to President Joe Biden's German shepherd, Commander, who previously reportedly attacked several Secret Service agents.
Robotic dogs spotted outside Trump's Mar-a-Lago house after alleged Iranian murder-for-hire attempt
On Friday, the Justice Department identified a man named Farjad Shakeri as an alleged hired Iranian contact to kill Trump. According to a criminal complaint filed with Manhattan’s federal court, the plan was devised in September. Two more individuals were also charged in connection with the alleged attempted assassination.
Several people speculated the robot dog was appointed at the President-elect's Palm Beach residence after the alleged threat on his life.
In July, the Secret Service introduced these high-tech hounds at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C.. These robots constitute the Secret Service’s ASTRO program — Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation.
An official explained at the time that these dogs, built with cameras with thermal censors and high-resolution zooming abilities, were built to detect chemical threats and bombs.
The Secret Service confirmed Boston Dynamisc manufactured the remote-controlled mechanical dog at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
The use of robot dogs has seemingly gained popularity in the U.S. as law enforcement agencies often use them to ensure public safety. Last year, a different unit of remote-controlled robotic dogs called ‘Digidogs’ was assembled for New York’s Mayor Eric Adams.