USA – mackaycartoons

Thursday May 15 2025

May 15, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 15 2025

Dancing with Tyrants: Trump’s Tariffs and Troubling Ties

Amidst a landscape where leaders are expected to embody the principles of democracy, human rights, and integrity, Donald Trump’s presidency has taken a detour into the realm of outrageous spectacle. The recent events involving Trump’s engagement with Middle Eastern leaders, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia, have left many Canadians, and indeed global citizens, aghast at the sheer audacity of it all.

October 25, 2018

Picture this: a U.S. President, once heralded as the leader of the free world, now parading through opulent halls in Saudi Arabia, exchanging pleasantries and praise with a crown prince whose name is synonymous with the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The irony is palpable. This is the same crown prince who, according to U.S. intelligence reports, approved the assassination of Khashoggi in a chilling violation of human rights and freedom of the press. Yet, here we have Trump, celebrating MBS’s leadership with the kind of admiration usually reserved for statesmen of high moral standing.

News: Saudis Greet Trump to His Tastes, With Pomp, Opulence and Real Estate

March 3, 2021

Meanwhile, stories of an audacious Qatari bribe—a luxury jet, no less—add another layer to this farcical display of diplomacy. One can’t help but wonder about the real price of such extravagant gifts and what they truly signify in the corridors of power.

For Canadians, witnessing this spectacle is nothing short of infuriating. We share a border with a nation that once stood shoulder to shoulder with us, united by common values and democratic principles. Yet, the current U.S. administration’s actions seem to mock these ideals, prioritizing opulence and power over justice and human rights.

The impact of Trump’s “economic force” is felt acutely in Canada’s heartland, where automotive giant Honda has postponed its $15-billion electric vehicle investment due to the economic uncertainty fuelled by Trump’s tariffs. This delay hits not only the local economy in Ontario but also signals the broader damage wrought by prioritizing political posturing over cooperative economic progress.

News: Honda’s plans to delay electric vehicle factories ‘a blow to the community’

January 14, 2019

Let’s not forget the haunting memories of 9/11, where the involvement of certain Middle Eastern countries left indelible scars on the global consciousness. The same countries are now being courted and celebrated by a U.S. President who appears more interested in fealty and gifts than in holding these nations accountable for past and present transgressions.

As Canadians, we look on with a mix of disbelief and disappointment. The U.S., once a beacon of freedom and democracy, now resembles a kingdom from a forgotten era, where rulers expect tributes and loyalty in exchange for their favour. It’s a sobering reminder of how far the mighty can fall when principles are traded for power.

In these times, it’s crucial for Canada and other democratic nations to reaffirm their commitment to human rights and ethical leadership. We must steer through these turbulent waters with resilience and integrity, ensuring that our values remain unshaken by the whims of those who dance with tyrants.

Trump’s Arabian Nights: Gifts Over Rights by The Graeme Gallery

Wednesday May 14, 2025

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Friday May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 9, 2025, The Toronto Star

“American” Pope

April 28, 2025

As Pope Leo XIV takes on his new role, I’ve noticed the U.S. media celebrating him as the first American pope. While it’s natural to feel proud, it’s important to see the bigger picture.

Pope Leo XIV, originally from the U.S., has spent over 20 years in Peru, making him a true bridge between North and South America. His deep connection to both continents makes him an ideal leader for the global Church, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis from South America.

Wednesday May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 7, 2025

Also Featured in The Daily Cartoonist also The Toronto Star.

Pull-String President

We’ve finally moved past a significant chapter in Canada-U.S. relations, a period that has stressed Canadians since Donald Trump’s election. The awkward Mar-a-Lago dinner with former Prime Minister Trudeau kicked off six months of challenges, with Canadian leaders repeatedly visiting Washington, trying to manage the fallout from Trump’s remarks.

April 30, 2025

Trump’s influence affected Canadian politics at both the provincial and federal levels. But now, we’ve seen a more respectful meeting between two state leaders. In this recent White House encounter, there were no insults or awkward moments. Mark Carney did what was needed: he respected the U.S. President, charmed him, and clearly stated that Canada will never be the 51st state. Trump, meanwhile, expressed his wish for America to make its own cars, showing where his interests lie.

News: Carney tells Trump Canada is not for sale, president praises PM as a ‘very good person’

During the meeting, Trump praised Carney’s election win and spoke of friendship between the countries, despite ongoing trade issues. Carney kept things positive, emphasizing shared goals, even though there was no progress on trade talks.

With this phase behind us, Carney can now focus on new opportunities for Canada beyond its usual reliance on the U.S. He’s told Canadians it won’t be easy, but there’s hope that with his leadership, the country will find new paths and opportunities.

Saturday April 26, 2025

April 26, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 26, 2025 (Published in the Toronto Star)

Canada’s Historic Moment Amidst Trump’s Global Disruptions

April 2, 2025

In the annals of modern history, few leaders have managed to cast as wide and as contentious a shadow as Donald Trump. His second term as President of the United States has proven to be an era of unprecedented upheaval, marked by a series of aggressive and unpredictable maneuvers that have sent shockwaves through global political and economic systems. As Canada stands on the brink of a pivotal federal election, Trump’s influence looms large, creating a historic moment that could redefine the nation’s role on the world stage.

From the outset, Trump’s presidency has been a whirlwind of controversy and disruption. His recent threats to annex Canada and impose punitive tariffs have not only strained bilateral relations but have also thrust Canadian politics into the international spotlight. Mark Carney, the Liberal leader and a former central banker, finds himself in a unique position. His expertise and calm demeanour in the face of Trump’s provocations have resonated with voters seeking stability in uncertain times. Inadvertently, Trump has become a significant factor in Canada’s electoral calculus, making this election one of the most consequential in recent memory.

The Guardian: Canada election is Carney’s to lose in contest turned on its head by Trump

March 21, 2025

The impact of Trump’s policies is not confined to North America. Across the globe, allies and partners are reassessing their relationships with the United States. The European Union, once a steadfast ally, now contemplates a future where it must forge stronger ties internally and with other global powers to counterbalance an unpredictable U.S. administration. Trump’s disregard for established international norms and his penchant for unilateral actions have left many nations grappling with the reality of a world order in flux.

For Canada, this moment presents both challenges and opportunities. Trump’s actions have underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in over-reliance on a single ally, prompting a reevaluation of Canada’s foreign policy and trade strategies. The positive international reception of Carney’s leadership during this crisis highlights Canada’s potential to lead in building multilateral relationships that transcend traditional alliances. This is Canada’s moment to assert itself as a resilient and adaptable nation, capable of navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape.

Opinion: Donald Trump can’t stop trash talking Canada. That may be the reminder we need

March 5, 2025

Yet, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty. Trump’s polarizing presence is both exhausting and dangerous, not only for the United States and Canada but for the world at large. His willingness to upend decades of diplomatic progress in favour of short-term gains and headline-grabbing antics threatens the stability of international systems built on cooperation and mutual respect. As nations scramble to adjust, the spectre of a fragmented global order looms large, with unpredictable consequences for economic and geopolitical stability.

In these historic times, Canada’s election serves as a microcosm of the broader global struggle to adapt to a new era of leadership defined by disruption and unpredictability. As Canadians head to the polls, they do so with the knowledge that their choice will resonate far beyond their borders, shaping not only their nation’s future but also its place within the international community.

Analysis: As the World Recoils, Canada Votes in the Shadow of a Rogue President

February 4, 2025

In the face of such challenges, it is imperative that Canada—and indeed the world—remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of diplomacy, cooperation, and resilience. Only by embracing these values can we hope to navigate the turbulent waters of the present and chart a course toward a more stable and inclusive future.

Not Going Away

So, here’s the scoop: We’ve got this new guy in the neighbourhood, and let’s just say he’s quite the boor and buffoon. But unlike your typical troublesome neighbour, this guy isn’t just a headache for the folks nearby—oh no, he’s a well-known nuisance to everyone up and down the street, and even to the people across the block.

The kicker is the crew he’s got living under the same roof with him. You’ve got J.D. Vance, Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr., Howard Lutnick, Kash Patel—the list keeps going. And then there are the friends who just can’t stay away, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Cruz, all adding to the chaos. It’s like a never-ending parade of drama and misery that these new folks are bringing to everyone around them.

Picture this: We used to have civilized people in that house. Now, it’s filled with nasty folks who can’t seem to get along with anyone, always tossing around insults. There’s no kindness, just this glaring sense of entitlement.

And then there’s Donald Trump, who loves to repeat his mantra—“We don’t need Canada” or “Canada would make a fine 51st state.” Seriously, it’s like he wants Canada but also claims the USA doesn’t need it. Who in their right mind thinks this is a way to win friends? It’s maddening, insulting, and downright bullying.

This is the backdrop as Canadian voters head to the polls next week. Why Trump gets a kick out of this is anyone’s guess, but it’s definitely something for the voters to think about as they cast their ballots.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 26, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

YouTube: The 2025 Federal Election Elephant https://youtu.be/tyRFNYSpHPc

– The Graeme Gallery

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Friday April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 11, 2025 (Also, The Toronto Star, April 13, 2025)

A Circus of Chaos and Consequences

April 10, 2025

In the annals of American leadership, few figures have managed to blend showmanship with governance quite like Donald Trump. Touting himself as the mastermind behind “The Art of the Deal,” Trump promised to harness his negotiating prowess to fortify the U.S. economy and elevate its standing on the global stage. Yet, as recent events have painfully demonstrated, Trump’s leadership style has proven less an art form and more a chaotic spectacle, reminiscent of a ratings-dropping game show rather than strategic statecraft.

Opinion: What Trump Just Cost America

Trump’s recent decision to impose and then abruptly pause tariffs, excluding China, has not only destabilized markets but shattered trust in American leadership. Announcing a 90-day pause, Trump expected foreign leaders to flock to his door, eager to negotiate. Instead, as Thomas L. Friedman of The New York Times aptly noted, his actions have echoed the old adage: if you hire clowns, expect a circus.

The administration’s rationale for these tariffs — from curbing fentanyl to funding tax cuts — fluctuated as erratically as the stock market during his tenure. Trump’s so-called principles crumbled under pressure, revealing a strategy not rooted in sound economic theory but in impulse-driven theatrics. The result? A loss of billions and an even more invaluable currency: trust.

Opinion: America is lost. But we can still save the rest of the world from Trump’s tariffs

April 3, 2025

In one fell swoop, Trump equated long-standing allies with adversaries like China and Russia, applying tariffs indiscriminately and disregarding decades of partnership. Countries that stood shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. in moments of global crisis were left questioning their alliance with a nation that seemed to value spectacle over substance.

Friedman likened this diplomatic blunder to the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan — a strategic misstep that Trump’s tariffs have now emulated in the trade arena. Yet, unlike Afghanistan, this self-imposed trade war has no exit strategy, leaving America isolated at a time when unity is paramount.

Trump’s approach to China, a nation with vast manufacturing capabilities, was a tactical misfire. Rather than rallying global allies to address trade imbalances collaboratively, Trump went it alone, fostering animosity instead of alliance. Friedman highlights this failure to unite against a common economic rival as a critical error, strengthening Beijing’s position while allies now view China as a more stable partner than the unpredictable U.S.

News: Trump’s Encouragement of Stock Investors Draws Scrutiny

March 26, 2025

The Trump era’s hallmark is not economic resurgence but rather a profound erosion of American values and influence. His administration’s apparent disregard for ethical governance has fueled suspicions of market manipulation and insider trading, with allegations, as Friedman points out, that Trump’s inner circle profited from his policy pivots. Such actions, if proven, would underscore a presidency marred by self-interest and oligarchic tendencies.

In the end, Trump’s “Art of the Deal” narrative unfolds more like an episode of “Let’s Make a Deal,” where the stakes are not merely ratings but the very credibility and leadership of the United States. As the curtain falls on this chapter of American policymaking, the world grapples with a sobering reality: faith in American leadership has been not just shaken, but shattered.

As America navigates the aftermath of Trump’s tenure, it must work tirelessly to rebuild the bridges burned by his reckless policies. This requires a commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and strategic alliances that prioritize collective prosperity over individual gain. Only then can the U.S. hope to restore its standing as a leader not just in power, but in principle.

Pardon the Conspiracy theory But… As I’ve been reading through various articles and the comments sections, one thing is clear: the idea of insider trading is dominating people’s minds. Many are questioning who might have been tipped off about the reversal. It feels eerily similar to the 2008 scenario, with concerns about how many people panicked and sold low, only for a select few to profit when the market surged.

The opinion pieces aren’t holding back either, pointing out how Trump’s actions have not only wiped out investments but also eroded trust in the system. It’s frustrating to see such recklessness from someone in charge, and the lack of transparency and accountability is a real concern.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for April 11, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack