King – mackaycartoons

Wednesday May 28 2025

May 28, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 28 2025

Mark Carney’s Political Odyssey: From Throne to the Meat Grinder

May 27 2025

As the echoes of King Charles III’s speech from the throne fade, the real work begins for Prime Minister Mark Carney. The ceremonial grandeur, with its evocation of pride and unity, serves as a poignant reminder of Canada’s rich heritage and potential. Yet, it is Carney who must now navigate the intricate dynamics of political governance, a task fraught with challenges that test his leadership and resolve.

Carney’s entry into politics was heralded with optimism, a promise of fiscal prudence and economic acumen drawn from his tenure as a central banker. His vision for a “one Canadian economy” aims to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and foster unity—a testament to his strategic foresight in addressing the fragmented Canadian market. However, the transition from economic theory to political practice is fraught with complexities, especially for a leader at the nadir of his popularity, steering a minority government through turbulent waters.

News: ‘The True North is indeed strong and free,’ King Charles III says in speech

April 12, 2025

The political landscape Carney faces is a veritable minefield. His ambitious agenda, from tax cuts to fast-tracking infrastructure projects, requires not just parliamentary approval but also the confidence of a wary public. The Liberals’ minority status means every decision is subject to intense scrutiny and negotiation. The throne speech, while rich in vision, must withstand the crucible of parliamentary debate, where support from other parties is imperative to avoid a government collapse.

Adding to Carney’s challenges is the spectre of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and policies pose direct threats to Canadian sovereignty and economic stability. Trump’s proposition of Canada as the 51st state, though politically implausible, underscores the pressure on Carney to assert Canada’s independence on the world stage. The negotiation of a new economic and security relationship with the U.S. is not just a policy priority but a defining moment for Carney’s leadership.

Further complicating Carney’s path are the anxious premiers and voters, impatient for the realization of election promises. The pledge to create a stronger economy, cut taxes, and enhance infrastructure resonates with a populace eager for tangible improvements. Yet, the execution of these promises requires navigating provincial dynamics and managing expectations—a task that demands both diplomacy and decisiveness.

News: Carney tells MPs to brace for ‘very, very busy’ few weeks as Parliament reopens

February 22, 2025

Despite these obstacles, Carney’s leadership offers a unique promise. His background as a central banker brings a disciplined fiscal approach, essential for steering Canada through economic transformation. The emphasis on reducing trade barriers and fostering global partnerships reflects a forward-thinking strategy aimed at positioning Canada as a robust player in a changing global economy.

In this critical juncture, Carney’s ability to transform vision into action will define his legacy. The symbolism of the King’s speech may offer inspiration, but it is Carney’s pragmatic governance that will ultimately determine Canada’s trajectory. As he dives into the political meat grinder, Carney must harness his expertise, rally support, and navigate the challenges with unwavering resolve. The road ahead is daunting, yet it is also ripe with opportunity—a chance for Carney to imprint his stamp on Canada’s future.

A Return to Stability – Wednesday May 28 2025

The recent visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla has marked a significant chapter in Canada’s history, arriving at a crucial time following a six-month power vacuum. This period was a direct result of the previous Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s, tenure, characterized by a certain hubris that left a notable impact on the country’s political landscape. During this vacuum, Canada’s stability was further tested by external pressures, notably from President Donald Trump’s provocative rhetoric about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States.

The royal visit, though brief, was a masterful exercise in symbolism. The King’s words, “As the anthem reminds us, the True North is indeed strong and free,” resonated deeply with Canadians, reinforcing the strength and independence of the nation. The King’s Speech not only emphasized unity and resilience but also served as a reminder of the enduring ties and shared heritage that bind the Commonwealth.

In a poignant moment, former Prime Minister (aka power vacuum-man) Justin Trudeau made his first public appearance since leaving office, seated alongside prominent figures like Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell (some great photos through the link.) His presence highlighted the political shifts and challenges faced in recent months, underscoring a moment of reflection and renewal.

Despite the unsettling nature of Trump’s continued rhetoric and his golden dome dream, Canada seems to be on the right track. The new leadership, represented by figures like Mark Carney, faces significant challenges ahead. Carney, with his wealth of experience, is poised to tackle the economic and political issues that lie ahead, guiding Canada through this transitional period.

In what commentators have declared the King’s Speech a message for one, it didn’t take long for the toddler-in-chief to react.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, President Trump took to Truth Social at the end of the day to share a message that contradicted reassurances previously given by the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Trump stated that he had proposed a deal to Canada concerning a “Golden Dome System,” claiming that the system would cost Canada $61 billion to remain independent, but would be free if they chose to become the 51st U.S. state.

According to Trump, Canada was considering this proposition, a statement that diverges sharply from diplomatic reassurances and further complicates the delicate diplomatic landscape.

So much for Pete Hoekstra’s assurance that the annexation saga is over. It’s not, because his boss is a pull string doll.

In essence, the royal visit and the King’s Speech have added another chapter to Canada’s story, reinforcing the values that define and unite the nation amid external challenges and internal transitions. The new leadership, represented by figures like Mark Carney, faces significant challenges ahead. Carney, with his wealth of experience, is poised to tackle the economic and political issues that lie ahead, guiding Canada through this transitional period.

Hopefully, we’re almost to stability. Hopefully we’re done with the theatre – though that’s very wishful thinking.

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Thursday March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday March 6, 2025

“America is Back” – A Return to What?

January 21, 2025

The declaration of “America is back” by President Donald Trump rings through the halls of power with a resonance that’s both reassuring to some and disconcerting to others. But as we delve deeper into his policies and the current state of the nation, a pressing question arises: Back to what, precisely? The rhetoric suggests a return to greatness, yet the reality paints a picture that seems to harken back to an era less democratic and more autocratic.

Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China has been described by The Economist as an unexpected upheaval, causing a ripple of economic isolationism reminiscent of the protectionist policies of the late 19th century. Readers of The Globe and Mail express concern that these actions dismantle decades of progress toward free trade that the U.S. once championed. The United States, a founding figure in reducing global trade barriers through agreements like GATT and the WTO, now appears to be retreating to a time when tariffs were the norm rather than the exception.

News: A Combative Trump Says ‘America Is Back’ and Taunts His Political Rivals

February 7, 2025

The editorial from The Globe and Mail paints a picture of a U.S. pivoting away from its Western allies towards the arms of the Kremlin. This shift raises questions about America’s role as a reliable ally in the post-war era, a period when it provided security and leadership against totalitarianism. Reader comments reflect unease over the abandonment of long-held security guarantees and the potential fallout for global stability. The U.S. seems to be distancing itself from the very alliances it helped to build, suggesting a return to an era of isolationism and unilateralism.

Domestically, Trump’s administration is characterized by significant upheaval, with an unelected billionaire like Elon Musk reportedly wielding power to fire civil servants. The concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals and the erosion of institutional norms evoke a time before the robust checks and balances established by the founding fathers. Reader comments express fears of a permanent alteration in governance, with democracy itself appearing to be under threat.

February 4, 2025

Trump’s rhetoric of annexing territories and embracing former adversaries echoes imperial expansionism. The notion of America “being back” might conjure images of a time when nations were led by divine kings, wielding unchecked power and pursuing imperial ambitions. This raises the question of whether Trump’s vision aligns with the democratic ideals and international cooperation that have long defined American leadership.

Opinion: Pax Americana is over. Donald Trump killed it

As Trump declares “America is back,” the question remains: Back to what historical period does he refer? Is it a return to economic isolationism, diplomatic withdrawal, and centralized power reminiscent of monarchies? For a nation that once stood as a beacon of democracy and global leadership, the current trajectory seems at odds with the principles that have guided it for over two centuries.

February 6, 2019

In this context, the call for vigilance and reflection becomes imperative. Understanding what “America is back” truly means is crucial for the nation and the world, as the implications of this rhetoric reverberate across borders and generations. The path forward must reconcile the nation’s historical ideals with the challenges and complexities of the modern world.

America is back (To c1534)

Just wrapped up another day at the drawing board, capturing the political scene. If you know my work, you’ll recall my detailed chart of English and British monarchs. In the Trump 2.0 era, though he’s been in power just six weeks, I’ve already illustrated him in royal attire a few times.

U.S. history has seen presidents compared to overbearing kings when they veer from the essence of a presidency, rooted in the republic’s founding ideals. Yet here we are with Donald Trump, the “anti-President,” echoing the Vatican’s anti-popes and Oliver Cromwell’s flirtation with kingship. Trump, who seems to relish the company of monarchs and dictators, has expressed his kingly aspirations openly.

What’s more, his followers are urging him to break term limits and push for a third term, a notion that challenges the legitimacy of democratic elections. It’s as if Trump and his circle of enablers have forgotten that a U.S. President isn’t meant to play king. With MAGA’s fealty and his grand rhetoric about territories, when Trump says “America is Back,” it feels like a nod to Tudor times

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for March 6, 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

Thursday December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 5, 2024

Pierre Poilievre Prepares His Performance for King Donald

December 3, 2024

In the glittering halls of Mar-a-Lago, where gilded mirrors amplify the sheen of power and influence, a diplomatic drama of 18th-century proportions unfolds. At the centre of this spectacle is Donald Trump, enthroned anew with the promise of a second reign, enjoying a resurgence of power and adoration that borders on the divine. His court teems with nobles—heads of state and political aspirants—each vying for his favour with calculated gestures and rhetorical flourish. Among them, Pierre Poilievre emerges as the noble in waiting, preparing his stagecraft to one day perform before the King himself.

For now, Poilievre watches from a distance, sharpening his rhetoric and polishing his policy ideas, all designed to catch the King’s eye and signal allegiance to his agenda. As Justin Trudeau makes his own appearances at the royal court, dining with Trump amid the glittering chandeliers and discussing tariffs, borders, and fentanyl, Poilievre critiques from afar, casting himself as the future emissary of Canada who can truly secure the King’s favour.

Exile Days

In the art of courtly intrigue, one must not only match the monarch’s will but anticipate and amplify it. Poilievre, aware of this, has taken to out-Trumping Trump in some respects. His calls for a cap on asylum-seekers and a crackdown on “false refugees” echo Trumpian themes of border security but with a sharper edge, a Canadian twist. Where Trump thunders about “building walls,” Poilievre sketches plans for “boots on the ground, scanners all around, and a stronger border.”

News: Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment ‘teasing’

This isn’t mere imitation; it’s competitive loyalty, an audition before the King’s inner circle. Consider Trump confidant Mike Waltz, one of Poilievre’s most prominent American boosters. Waltz has been singing Poilievre’s praises in the court’s antechambers, perhaps whispering into the King’s ear about the young noble’s potential. If Poilievre’s policies seem bold—like re-instituting visa requirements or detaining asylum-seekers for expedited hearings—they are meant to show not just competence but allegiance, a readiness to align Canada’s policies with Trump’s vision.

November 22, 2024

As Poilievre prepares his audition, Trudeau continues his own courtly dance, meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago with polished deference. His rhetoric about “shared responsibilities” at the border and “partnership” on issues like illegal firearms smuggling is the language of a seasoned diplomat, carefully avoiding provocation while securing Canada’s interests. Yet, the courtly commentators—the press and the public—view his performance with skepticism.

The nobles gathered around the proverbial roundtable scoff at Trudeau’s claims that border security measures were “already in the works” before Trump’s tariff threats. The Liberal government’s budget reflects cuts, not expansions, to border enforcement, and the sudden flurry of meetings and announcements smacks of reactive appeasement. The King’s court, after all, values strength and decisiveness over perceived hesitation or duplicity.

August 31, 2024

Unlike Trudeau, who must juggle diplomacy with the optics of national sovereignty, Poilievre has the luxury of opposition. His performance need not be tempered; it can be theatrical, bold, and uncompromising. His rhetoric about Canada’s “disorder” at the border and the supposed “taking” of Canadian jobs by asylum-seekers is a deliberate appeal to the King’s sensibilities. It is the kind of language that fills the mirrored halls of Mar-a-Lago with murmurs of approval.

Opinion: Despite humiliating dinner with Trump, Trudeau is showing leadership

Still, Poilievre’s ambitions are not without risks. His policies remain vague, as critics like Campbell Clark of The Globe and Mail have noted, and his attempts to out-Trump Trump could alienate Canadian moderates. Yet, Poilievre is betting on a broader alignment with Trump’s court, one that could position him not just as a Canadian ally but as a transnational partner in a shared vision of populist governance.

January 23, 2024

The opulence of Mar-a-Lago beckons, and one can almost picture the scene when Poilievre finally secures his audience with King Donald. Powdered wigs metaphorically in place, jewels glittering in the Florida sun, the noble and the monarch will exchange witty banter, each testing the other’s resolve and vision. Poilievre, the aspiring vassal, will make his case: that he can govern Canada in a way that complements Trump’s vision for America, that he can fortify the northern border, and that he can bring order to what he describes as Trudeau’s chaos.

For now, Poilievre’s performance plays out in the Canadian court, where his policies and rhetoric are honed under the watchful eyes of his critics and supporters. But the ultimate test will come when he steps into Trump’s mirrored hall and delivers his lines, not as a noble in waiting but as a would-be peer.

Opinion: Poilievre fumbles the Trump crisis: a missed opportunity to show himself as a prime minister-in-waiting

In this diplomatic drama, the stakes are high, and the roles are clear. Trudeau is the polished envoy, playing his part with practiced elegance but struggling to maintain credibility among his peers. Poilievre is the ambitious rival, rehearsing his lines for the moment he can step into the spotlight. And Trump, the King of this glittering court, watches it all unfold, his favour as capricious as it is coveted.

The question remains: When Poilievre’s moment comes, will his performance dazzle the King—or will it merely reflect the glitter of the room?

Today’s cartoon draws inspiration from one of history’s most brilliant satirical minds: James Gillray. For those who may not know, Gillray was the 18th century’s unrivalled editorial cartoonist, skewering political elites with unmatched wit and artistry. In fact, hanging on my wall is a painted print of one of his masterpieces, The Bengal Levee, a depiction of colonial sycophancy so rich in detail and absurdity that it still resonates today. Years ago, I stumbled upon the print on eBay and couldn’t resist – its sharp commentary on power dynamics seemed timeless.

Gillray’s The Bengal Levee shows a chaotic room teeming with fawning petitioners, each jockeying for Lord Cornwallis’s attention at his weekly audiences in colonial India. The obsequious crowd, laden with gifts and flattery, clamours to win favour from the colonial ruler seated on his throne-like chair. It’s satire at its finest, showcasing the grotesque theatre of power, corruption, and human ambition.

National Portrait Gallery, London: The Bengal Levee

Sound familiar? Fast forward to today, and we see a strikingly similar dynamic playing out as leaders from around the world parade to preen before President-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau attempts to project polished diplomacy, while Poilievre (as I envision we will all one day witness inevitable PP’s fealty to the King) sharpens his populist rhetoric, conjuring bold policy proposals that aim to out-Trump Trump. The stakes are high: not just Trump’s favour, but their own political futures.

In today’s cartoon, I wanted to channel Gillray’s spirit, imagining Trump as a gilded Louis XIV-like monarch surveying a royal court of supplicants. Front and centre, Pierre Poilievre juggles axes labelled with his boldest (and Trumpiest) proposals, vying for approval with an almost theatrical flair. The absurdity of it all – the grand gestures, the calculated performances – is a reminder of how little the human dance for power has changed since Gillray’s time.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy my making-of clip of the December 5, 2024 cartoon – sound up!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Thursday August 29, 2024

August 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, published in The Hamilton Spectator and The Toronto Star, Thursday August 29, 2024

An animated version of this editorial cartoon is posted to Pinterest.

Trump’s Quibbles Mask the Real Threat to His Presidential Ambitions—The Rule of Law

February 6, 2024

As the 2024 Presidential race intensifies, Donald Trump finds himself entangled not just in a fierce electoral battle but also in a labyrinth of legal challenges that could prove far more consequential than the media spats and debate dramas he often inflames. While Trump’s complaints about the upcoming ABC debate rules and his jabs at Kamala Harris for not engaging in interviews might capture headlines, these are mere distractions compared to the looming threat posed by Special Counsel Jack Smith’s diligent legal pursuit.

New York Times: Special Counsel Revises Trump Election Indictment to Address Immunity Ruling

May 7, 2024

Trump’s grievances about the September 10 ABC debate rules are emblematic of his strategy to dominate media narratives by any means necessary. His reluctance to participate unless the rules are to his liking jeopardizes the debate itself, which might deprive the public of a crucial opportunity to hear from the candidates directly. Moreover, Trump’s criticisms of Kamala Harris’ limited media presence—though a potential talking point—have yet to gain traction. Without substantial policy critiques, Trump has struggled to move beyond his typical insults and name-calling when it comes to Harris, making it difficult for him to effectively challenge her on her record.

These quibbles, however, pale in comparison to the gravity of his legal troubles. While Trump might wish to paint himself as a victim of a “deep state” conspiracy, the reality is that the Department of Justice’s actions under Jack Smith represent a measured and necessary step in ensuring that the rule of law applies equally to all, including former presidents.

July 23, 2024

Jack Smith’s recent revisions to the indictment against Trump are a strategic maneuver aimed at aligning with the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity, while still holding Trump accountable for actions that fall outside the scope of his official duties. This move underscores the seriousness of the legal challenges Trump faces—challenges that go beyond the realm of political theatre and into the very foundations of American democracy.

The importance of Smith’s pursuit cannot be overstated. By narrowing the charges to focus on Trump’s actions as a candidate rather than as a sitting president, Smith is aiming to prevent Trump from evading accountability by hiding behind the broad protections of presidential immunity. This is not a witch hunt, as Trump and his supporters claim, but rather a crucial effort to clarify the boundaries of executive power and to ensure that no one, not even a former president, is above the law.

Analysis: Legal scholars warn SCOTUS could “manipulate” immunity definition to torpedo new Trump indictment

February 10, 2024

Trump’s narrative of victimization might resonate with his core supporters, who are quick to embrace conspiracy theories about the “deep state” and “fake media.” However, the persistence of the legal pursuit by Jack Smith offers a counterbalance—a reminder that the wheels of justice, though slow, continue to turn. This pursuit is essential not just for holding Trump accountable, but for restoring faith in the integrity of the American legal system.

As the election draws closer, the public must remain vigilant. Trump’s media maneuvers and debate complaints are designed to distract from the real issues at hand. Yet, the legal challenges he faces will likely persist, shaping the final stages of this election. In the end, it is not the noise of Trump’s complaints but the steady pursuit of justice that will have the most profound impact on the future of American democracy.

News: Robert F Kennedy Jr’s brother ‘heartbroken’ over Trump endorsement

For those who believe in the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance, Jack Smith’s efforts are a source of hope. They demonstrate that, despite the noise and distractions, the pursuit of justice remains steadfast. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial that the American people continue to support these efforts, ensuring that the values of democracy prevail over the forces of division and deceit. (AI)

Friday January 20, 2023

January 20, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 20, 2023

Jacinda Ardern enjoys ‘good night’s sleep’ after decision to quit

August 30, 2022

Jacinda Ardern said today that she had no regrets about standing down as New Zealand’s prime minister, after an announcement that shocked both her supporters and critics.

A day after revealing she would not stand for re-election because she had no more “in the tank”, she said she was feeling a range of emotions from sadness to a “sense of relief”.

Ardern, who will leave office within weeks, said she would not openly back any of the likely candidates to replace her. Her governing Labour Party is trailing in the polls and predicted to lose the next election due in October.

Speaking outside an airport in the North Island city of Napier, where the Labour Party caucus had gathered for a retreat, Ardern, 42, said she had “slept well for the first time in a long time”.

In response to questions by reporters, she rejected suggestions by some commentators that experiences of misogyny had played a role in her decision.

June 28, 2021

Ardern said she had a “message for women in leadership and girls who are considering leadership in the future” that “you can have a family and be in these roles”, adding “you can lead in your own style”.

Ardern was the youngest female head of government when she became prime minister in 2017 at 37. She achieved a global profile as she led the country through its worst terrorist attack, a deadly volcanic eruption and the Covid-19 pandemic. She won a landslide second term in 2020 but her popularity waned as she battled declining trust in government, a worsening economic situation and a resurgent conservative opposition.

“You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges,” she said. “I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice.”

Trying to head off speculation about hidden motives for her decision, she added: “The only interesting angle you will find is that after going on six years of some big challenges, that I am human. Politicians are human. We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time.” (The Times)

September 10, 2022

Meanwhile in a survey made public in Canada recently, fifty-four per cent of those polled said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down as the leader of the Liberal Party in 2023, though just 27 per cent said they believe he’ll do so. (Global News)