Drain the Swamp is a historic political metaphor that gained massive mainstream popularity during Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. While the phrase dates back to the early 20th century, it became a viral sensation representing the desire to remove entrenched bureaucrats and corrupt officials from Washington, D.C. In meme culture, the template is often used to symbolize a clean slate or the removal of unwanted elements from any organization or group. It typically features imagery of a literal swamp being emptied, revealing crocodiles or monsters underneath, making it a versatile tool for both serious political discourse and lighthearted social commentary.