This Piggy Hollers
A Love Letter to Tactical Frivolity
When they try to silence you with insults, let the silliness begin!
Yesterday, President Trump pointed at a female reporter’s face and snarled “Quiet, Piggy” when she asked about the newly released Epstein emails. Hours later, he threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license when another female reporter asked him a question he didn’t like.
This is the part where I’m supposed to write a serious constitutional analysis about press freedom and authoritarian intimidation tactics.
Instead, I’m going to tell you about piggies.
America LOVES Piggies!
He picked the wrong metaphor.
Because America has been in love with piggies since forever.
We have Wilbur, the humble piggy who just wanted a friend and taught us about loyalty and love in Charlotte’s Web. We have Babe, the piggy who became a sheepdog and showed us you can be anything you dream. We have Miss Piggy, the glamorous diva who takes no nonsense from anyone and delivers a karate chop when needed.
We give children piggy banks to teach them about saving and building futures. We have Peppa Pig teaching toddlers about family and friendship. We have Hamm the wisecracking piggy bank in Toy Story. We have the Three Little Piggies who built houses and outsmarted the wolf through cleverness and determination.
Piggies are smart. Playful. Community-oriented. They roll in mud for joy and cooling. They’re loyal. They’re determined. They’re creative problem-solvers.
They’re actually kind of perfect for a democracy defense movement that values both strategic thinking and having a damn good time while we protect our republic.
So here’s what I’m thinking: What if we just... took the piggy?
Move Over Froggies, Here Come the Piggies
I cannot stop thinking about inflatable piggy costumes.
Have you seen these things? They’re MAGNIFICENT. You know those T-Rex costumes that went viral? Like that, but piggy. You’re just waddling around, being absolutely ridiculous, and everyone who sees you immediately starts grinning.
I’m ordering one. I’m 100% ordering one. I’m going to wear it to something serious and civic and watch what happens when joy crashes into democracy defense.
I’m picturing myself trying to sit down at a city council meeting. Just... this giant inflatable piggy, struggling with a folding chair. The squeak of the plastic. The wobbling. Everyone trying not to laugh. The mayor trying to keep a straight face.
Chef’s kiss.
And then there’s “when piggies fly” - you know, that phrase for impossible things? A reporter gets called “Piggy” for asking questions and suddenly the world is filled with flying piggies. At protests. At city council meetings. On cars and flag poles. The impossibility becomes reality. The insult becomes wings.
Miss Piggy Would NEVER
Can we talk about Miss Piggy for a second?
Miss Piggy has been dealing with being called “Piggy” her entire career. You know what she did? She made “Piggy” GLAMOROUS. She made it POWERFUL. She wore gowns and gloves and took exactly zero nonsense from anyone.
Someone tries to diminish Miss Piggy? HIIII-YAH! Karate chop. Scene.
Miss Piggy would show up to that Oval Office meeting in a fabulous outfit and heels and when someone pointed at her face and said “Quiet, Piggy,” she would smile sweetly and deliver the most perfectly devastating response while the cameras rolled.
Actually, you know what? Miss Piggy wouldn’t have to say anything. She’d just look at him. That look. You know the one.
I want to channel Miss Piggy energy at every civic engagement for the rest of my life.
So, I’m Embracing My Inner Piggy (and She is Not Quiet)
I’m ordering my inflatable piggy costume tonight.
I have no idea where I’m going to wear it first, but I promise you this piggy hollers. She is free speech, she is beautiful, and she is filled with joy.
What will yours do?
P.S. - When you do your piggy thing (and you will, I know you will), tag it #ThisPiggyHollers or #FlyingPiggies because I need to see what brilliance you create.
P.P.S. - Wilbur would be so proud of us right now.
🐷✨ When they try to silence us, let the silliness begin! When pigs fly? We win. 🐷✨
Democracy Spark provides ghostwriting for grassroots democracy organizations. You have the passion and vision, I have the words that move people to action. Let’s collaborate to bring our democracy back for the next generation.


