legacy – mackaycartoons

Friday April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 24, 2026

Also printed in The Toronto Star. Published in The Week.

Arch of Discord: Trump’s Legacy Overshadows Priorities

October 23 2025

As the world grapples with pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and a global cost-of-living surge, President Donald Trump remains fixated on his legacy. His latest endeavour—a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.—has drawn widespread criticism for its scale and symbolism.

News: Donnyland’? Ukraine Proposes Naming Part of the Donbas in Trump’s Honor.

The proposed arch, intended to surpass Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, has faced backlash from preservationists and the public. Critics argue that it disrupts the visual harmony of the capital’s historic landscape, overshadowing monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project, perceived as a personal monument to Trump’s ego, raises questions about its appropriateness and alignment with American values.

Despite nearly unanimous public opposition, the Commission of Fine Arts, filled with Trump loyalists, seems poised to approve the project. This highlights a troubling trend of sidelining public discourse in favour of personal agendas. Trump’s focus on grandiose projects like this arch and a new White House ballroom reflects a prioritization of personal legacy over pressing national and international challenges.

Analysis: A Landscape Architect Reviews Trump’s Proposed Triumphal Arch

In a time when leadership should be focused on diplomacy and resolving crises, this arch stands as a testament to misplaced priorities. It risks setting a precedent where monumental decisions are driven by vanity rather than the collective values and needs of the nation. As Trump pushes forward, the question remains: Is this the legacy future generations should inherit?

Source: Wikipedia.

Dare to Ignore the Past…

All this talk of Donald Trump and his arch that has stirred laughter and mockery had me thinking of another arch from a bygone era that provoked controversy, one I doubt the incurious President or his ill informed yes men would know about. Designed by Decimus Burton as a triumphal gateway commemorating Britain’s Napoleonic victories and as a grand ceremonial entrance to the royal parks, it was built between 1826 and 1830 at Hyde Park Corner and was known simply as the triumphal arch. The name shifted to the Duke of Wellington’s Arch as public and press association with Wellington’s Napoleonic leadership attached his name and political symbolism to it.

Despite some of his faults, including a notorious temper, political obstinacy and an autocratic manner, a glorious archway bearing the Duke’s name seemed warranted. In 1846, however, Matthew Cotes Wyatt’s gigantic equestrian statue of Wellington was perched atop the arch and that excess exposed how glorification can go too far: critics attacked its scale and poor fit with Burton’s design, Queen Victoria complained it blocked the view of Buckingham Palace and cartoonists mocked it in Punch.

The Duke died in 1852, and despite criticism it remained on the arch until 1882 because of public attachment, political sensitivity about slighting the duke, bureaucratic delays, and the cost and difficulty of removal. The unpopular Wyatt statue was removed from Hyde Park Corner and re‑erected at Aldershot in 1885. The move defused royal and public complaints, found an Army sponsor, and eased disposal costs. The Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, backed and helped secure the relocation. After the move to Aldershot the bronze suffered neglect, weathering and some vandal damage. It was later cleaned, repaired and treated by specialists to stabilize and protect it.

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor; Friends of Aldershot; Equestrian Statues

Wellington’s Arch caused quite a stir back in the day, and it’s a good lesson for us now. The new arch planned for the 250th anniversary looks more like a monument to Donald Trump’s ego than a celebration of independence. While he might see himself as a great leader like Wellington or Napoleon, his actions, especially ignoring environmental issues and stirring up global tensions, don’t really deserve a hero’s welcome. Just like the fuss over Wellington’s statue, this new plan should be checked out carefully to make sure it brings people together instead of just pumping up one person’s image.

Thursday February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 26, 2026

Also published in The Toronto Star.

The Complex Legacy of Wayne Gretzky and New Challenges for U.S. Athletes in Canada

July 25, 2025

In the world of hockey, few names carry the weight of Wayne Gretzky and Auston Matthews. Yet, as politics increasingly intertwine with sports, their legacies reveal the complexities athletes face regarding national identity and public perception.

Wayne Gretzky, once the embodiment of Canadian hockey pride, finds himself at the centre of a political storm. By aligning with figures like Donald Trump, Gretzky’s image as “The Great One” has been overshadowed by questions of allegiance. Trading his Canadian citizenship and embracing life in the U.S. might have provided personal benefits, but it came at the cost of alienating a loyal Canadian fan base. His involvement with MAGA politics has further strained his connection with Canada, a country pivotal to his storied career.

Opinion: The State of the Union was a zoo – and Team USA the monkey https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-state-of-the-union-nhl-mens-team-usa-hockey-players/

April 25, 2023

The criticism Gretzky faces isn’t merely about his personal choices but reflects a broader societal expectation for public figures to embody the values of their origins. He must reconcile his past decisions with their impacts on his legacy.

Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, finds himself in a similarly precarious situation. As an American with a Mexican heritage, Matthews is caught between the pressures of representing a Canadian team and the political expectations of his home country. Although he attended a regrettable Oval Office visit with his teammates, the decision was likely made to avoid provoking a hotheaded President. It reflects the difficult balance he must maintain in a highly politicized environment.

December 3, 2024

For Matthews, the challenge lies in focusing on hockey while being mindful of the political undercurrents affecting his career and public image. His heritage and leadership role place him in a delicate balancing act, where the repercussions of political associations must be carefully considered.

Opinion: In saying he’s a ‘true Canadian,’ Gretzky shows he’s still a wonderful deflector https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-winter-olympics-wayne-gretzky-canada/

June 4, 2024

These situations highlight the reality that hockey, despite its reputation as Canada’s game, is not immune to political influence. Athletes, whether Canadian or American, must approach these issues with awareness and thoughtfulness. Gretzky’s experience serves as a cautionary tale of the potential fallout from political entanglements, while Matthews exemplifies the new generation of athletes striving to balance sport and identity.

In a time when the lines between sports and politics blur, athletes must remember that their actions off the ice are as impactful as their performance on it. The legacy of hockey in Canada is rich and storied, and for those who benefit from it, there is an implicit responsibility to honour its roots. As Gretzky and Matthews illustrate, addressing this complex terrain requires more than just skill on the ice—it demands an understanding of the broader societal context and a commitment to the values that define their sport and their nations.

Tuesday October 28, 2025

October 28, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 28, 2025

Featured on Substack’s The Graeme Gallery here, here, and here.

Reaganstein’s Revenge

October 25, 2025

In a bizarre twist reminiscent of a political “Reaganstein,” it seems the legacy of Ronald Reagan has been resurrected and repurposed, but this time with the brain of Donald Trump at the helm. With the recent controversy swirling around Ontario’s ad campaign using Reagan’s words, we’re witnessing an unsettling reanimation where historical accuracy and free trade principles are being distorted to fit the narrative of a protectionist agenda.

The Ontario government’s use of a Reagan speech in a U.S.-targeted ad has sparked a chain reaction, leading to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports and a public rebuke from the Ronald Reagan Foundation & Institute. This response raises questions about the foundation’s role and the pressures it may face to align with the current political climate. By seemingly aligning with Trump’s claims, the foundation risks compromising its mission to preserve and promote an authentic understanding of Reagan’s policies and ideals.

Opinion: You have meddled with the primal forces of nature, Mr. Ford

February 4, 2025

This scenario exemplifies how political leaders can leverage historical legacies to legitimize current policies, even when those policies contradict the original principles. The concept of “alternate facts” becomes a tool in this process, allowing for the creation of narratives that fit the desired political objectives. This manipulation can confuse the public, particularly those who rely on simplified or surface-level interpretations of complex historical and political issues.

The “Reaganstein” narrative also highlights the broader trend of political figures and institutions being drawn into partisan conflicts, sometimes at the expense of their founding missions. For the Reagan Foundation, this moment is a test of its commitment to historical accuracy and integrity, challenging it to resist becoming a political pawn.

November 10, 2022

As the lines between historical truth and political fiction blur, the importance of diligent, objective historical stewardship becomes even more critical. Without it, the risk grows that legacies like Reagan’s could be co-opted, reshaped, and used in ways that would be unrecognizable to the figures themselves. This underscores the need for informed public discourse and the protection of historical narratives from the whims of contemporary political expediency.

Revisionist Reagan Institute

In a surprising move, the Reagan Institute removed my Reagan caricature from Redbubble last week, before Trump’s comments on Ontario’s pro-trade ad. I wrote about it here. While harsher Reagan images remain online, mine was unfairly targeted. After the Ford government stopped the ad, I created a Frankenstein-themed Reagan design to satirize the Institute’s political role. As I wait for their response to my appeal, I sense they’ve been pressured to limit public engagement, and I highly doubt they’ll ever get back. So, with this mix of politics and history I’ve been inspired to aim satire at the dodos managing Reagan’s legacy.

Saturday October 25, 2025

October 25, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 25, 2025

Reagan’s Legacy Sparks Cross-Border Trade Tempest

October 22 2025

In an era where political rhetoric often overshadows facts, President Trump’s recent decision to terminate trade negotiations with Canada stands out as an over-the-top reaction, deeply mired in misconceptions about Ronald Reagan’s trade policies. This move is not just a blow to diplomatic relations but also a stark misrepresentation of historical truths.

Ronald Reagan, revered in Republican circles, was a staunch advocate for free trade, cautioning against the perils of protectionism. His words, now at the centre of controversy due to an Ontario ad campaign, were used to highlight the dangers of tariffs, a tool Trump has wielded broadly and recklessly. The notion that the ad was misleading is unfounded; it faithfully reproduces Reagan’s sentiments, albeit not verbatim, to underscore a legitimate critique of Trump’s approach.

News: U.S. President Donald Trump cancels trade talks with Canada over Ontario ad that uses Ronald Reagan speech to attack tariffs

October 15, 2025

This isn’t the first time Trump has resorted to misinformation concerning Canada. His baseless claims about fentanyl crossing the northern border and misleading statements about Canadian dairy tariffs have previously strained relations. Yet, in reality, Reagan’s stance on tariffs was diametrically opposed to Trump’s, favouring selective, temporary measures over broad, economy-stifling policies.

The Ford government’s strategic use of Reagan’s archival footage is not only clever but necessary. With the U.S. aggressively luring manufacturing jobs away from Canada, the ad campaign aims to remind both nations of the long-term economic dangers of protectionism. The timing couldn’t be more poignant, coinciding with the World Series featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, when cross-border attention is at its peak.

NYT: Trump Called a Canadian Ad Fake. It Faithfully Reproduces Reagan’s Words

October 22, 2024

It’s regrettable that the Reagan Foundation has been drawn into this fray, pushed into a role beyond its educational mission, seemingly to serve the political narratives of the Trump administration. This situation underscores the deepening divide between traditional Reagan Republicans and the fervent supporters of Trump, whose policies and narratives often diverge sharply from historical Republican ideals.

As Canada faces this declared trade war, leveraging Reagan’s legacy to drive a wedge between these factions is a sound strategy. It not only highlights the inconsistencies in Trump’s policies but also appeals to a broader base that respects Reagan’s vision for a prosperous, interconnected global economy.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Institue & Foundation vs…Me

President Trump’s recent Twitter tirade, alleging that Ontario’s ad campaign is trying to sway a U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs, is a far-fetched distraction from the real issue: how tariffs are harming Ontario’s economy. The ad uses Reagan’s pro-free trade clips to remind us of the benefits of open markets. It’s no wonder it irked Trump, as it airs during the World Series, aiming to create a divide between Reagan Republicans and Trump’s base.

Meanwhile, I’ve had my own encounter with the Reagan Foundation. They ordered the removal of my Reagan caricature from Redbubble, despite its innocent nature and presence in a long-standing Presidential series. While infringing content remains online, my design was singled out. I’ve asked the Foundation to reconsider, but no response yet. With the ad’s controversy, the timing feels oddly significant, highlighting how Reagan’s legacy is caught in today’s political crossfire.

Thursday, October 23 2025

October 23, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday, October 23 2025

Legacy in Stone, Values in Peril: The Dual Heist

August 22, 2025

In recent weeks, two narratives have emerged, echoing through the historic streets of Paris and the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C. On one hand, President Trump envisions a triumphal arch akin to the Arc de Triomphe, symbolizing his self-fashioned legacy reminiscent of a modern-day Napoleon. On the other, a brazen heist at the Louvre Museum, where thieves absconded with Napoleonic jewels, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of legacy and the audacity of those willing to seize it.

News: Louvre heist losses put at almost €90m as museum’s head prepares to face senators

Trump’s architectural dreams echo Napoleon’s transformative touch on Paris, where the French leader left an indelible mark through grand monuments and urban redesign. Similarly, Trump’s plans for a triumphal arch and a $200 million ballroom addition to the White House serve not just as celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary but as testaments to his own influence. These projects are more than mere symbols; they involve the literal dismantling of history, as seen in the renovation of the White House’s East Wing, making way for construction cranes that loom large both physically and metaphorically.

News: Architects Urged a Review of Trump’s Ballroom. Cue the Demolition Crew

August 15, 2025

These cranes, reminiscent of those used in the Louvre heist, symbolize more than construction—they represent the machinery of distraction. As Trump focuses on his legacy, Vladimir Putin continues his aggressive land grabs in Ukraine, symbolically robbing America of its once-vaunted “American Exceptionalism.” The postponed Trump-Putin meetings underscore a diplomatic dance where the U.S. seems to lose its footing on the global stage, much like the stolen jewels slipping from their cases.

News: What to Know About Trump’s Plan for a Triumphal Arch in Washington

The Louvre heist, with its dramatic theft facilitated by construction equipment, parallels the subtle heist of American values. Just as Parisian authorities grapple with the loss of prized artifacts, America faces the erosion of its moral and political leadership. The jewels of democracy, freedom, and global influence are at risk as focus shifts from international engagement to inward-looking projects.

June 10 2025

Trump’s architectural pursuits might offer a physical legacy, but they risk overshadowing the intangible legacy of leadership and diplomacy. The parallels with Napoleon are striking, yet history reminds us that monuments alone do not define greatness. They are but stone and metal, vulnerable to the passage of time and the whims of those who seek to claim them.

News: Trump says he did not want ‘wasted meeting’ after plan for Putin talks shelved

In this dual narrative, the challenge lies not in the grandeur of arches or the allure of jewels, but in reclaiming a vision of America that stands unassailable on the global stage. As we watch construction cranes rise and diplomatic talks stall, it’s worth considering what legacy we truly wish to leave behind. Will it be one of monumental structures or of restored ideals, of reclaimed leadership in a world increasingly defined by new conquerors and silent heists?

The French Connection

Whenever I travel, I love taking photos of famous buildings. My recent trip to France was no different. I had no idea that soon after, these places would be in the news. We’ve seen a major heist at the Louvre and heard about Trump’s plan to build an arch like Napoleon’s. Trump, who often boasts about ending wars quickly, seems to think he needs a big monument to mark his legacy, much like Napoleon did. Now, he’s set on changing Washington, D.C., starting by tearing down part of the White House for a new ballroom.

During my visit, I explored the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre’s Apollon Hall, where the French crown jewels are displayed. The hall’s design impressed me more than the jewels. I took a picture of a crown, but the area was crowded with people taking Instagram photos, so I kept my distance. My cartoon work often combines different stories to create new insights. France has been a big focus lately. I even thought about including former President Sarkozy, who just started a prison sentence, to draw a parallel with where Trump might belong. But that idea didn’t quite fit.

More on this in my weekly review of editorial cartoons in my Saturday Newsletter, The Graeme Gallery.