Internet Reacts to Ringling Bros. Circus Closing by Pointing to Our Current Political Circus

On Sunday, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey announced that after 146 years, “The Greatest Show on Earth” was coming to an end in 2017. The circus — along with other famed animal attractions like SeaWorld — has long been under scrutiny for its treatment (or maltreatment) of animals.

PETA, an animal rights group, shared a thank you to anybody “who’s stood up against” the circus throughout the decades.

Thank you to everyone who’s stood up against #RinglingBros, whether you’ve picked up a protest sign, talked to friends, or shared videos.

— PETA (@peta) January 15, 2017

The group also noted that its mission was not yet complete, and that it wanted to see “ALL other animal circuses, roadside zoos & parks like #SeaWorld” closed.

RT if you want ALL other animal circuses, roadside zoos & parks like #SeaWorld to shut down too! #RinglingBros pic.twitter.com/30TUYvvXOx

— PETA (@peta) January 15, 2017

Others cheered that animals who have spent much, if not all, of their entire lives in captivity, would finally be able to live a life outside of a cage.

Ringling Bros: Watch a rescued Circus Lion feel earth beneath his paws for the first time! No more tiny cages, silly tricks & blaring music. pic.twitter.com/54b1Mi1CWa

— Quad Finn (@Quad_Finn) January 16, 2017

While the closure was a huge win for animal rights activists, many saw the announcement’s timing as fitting in the current state of American politics.

For anyone upset about Ringling Bros. do not fret. There is a far bigger circus opening on Friday.

— Rory Scovel (@roryscovel) January 15, 2017

With the demise of Ringling Bros., America only has one circus – and folks, it’s in our nation’s capital.

— Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) January 16, 2017

This guy pointed out that abusing elephants maybe hits a little to close to home for the Republican party.

Without Ringling Bros, the only place we’ll get to see a mean man abuse elephants into doing what he wants is in the White House.

— Warren Holstein (@WarrenHolstein) January 15, 2017

Famed horror author Stephen King used the occasion to plug the It movie reboot set to hit theaters in 2017.

Ringling Bros closing down, but will be replaced by the Pennywise Traveling Terror Tour. Bring the kids! Pennywise has balloons! Hooray!

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 15, 2017

Political columnist Ann Coulter took a shot at Democrats.

Ringling Bros. Circus has closed. They just couldn’t compete with the Democrats since the election.

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 15, 2017

But the Trump circus comparisons have ruled the day in the end.

BREAKING: Ringling Bros circus says it is closing down, because they have been outperformed by the newest circus, the Trump administration.

— Voice of Reason (@raggapegs) January 15, 2017

Ringling Bros. to shut down after 146 years now that Donald Trump has the market cornered on circuses.

— Michael Blackman (@ParaComedian09) January 15, 2017

After 146 yrs, Ringling Bros will close “Greatest Show on Earth.” That title now goes to the daily shitshow coming from the President-elect.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 15, 2017

Of course, this would explain a lot of those weird, terrifying clown sightings all over the country.

Guys…what if Ringling Bros. is shutting down because they lost all their clowns, and that’s why we had all those creepy clown sightings?

— Eric Spencer (@JustEric) January 15, 2017