I've never understood the American obsession with the homoeroticizing of hero-worship. Why must all heros be gym bunnies? Most everyday heroes look nothing like a tacky Schwarzenegger knock-off. How is it, they're given the step-child treatment? Bizarre.
It's an outlet that allows certain types of men to sublimate their sexual attraction to other men (which fills them with self loathing) through exaggerated, grotesque depictions of brutal sadomasochistic encounters.
I don't think holding a kitten is sad-masochistic, by default, but I get your point. Also, everyday heroes hold kittens, too, methinks.
Because sex sells… we have been Brainwashed for centuries.
In this case, its because this is how MAGA characterizes "him".
Probably because, in American culture, that kind of exaggerated image is purported to reflect health and vitality and, by association, strength and endurance, blah, blah.