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White House

Monday June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay – Monday June 9, 2025

Trump fiddles…

The cartoon of President Trump as Nero playing the violin on the roof of the White House can be contextualized by the 2025 Los Angeles riots. This satirical image implies criticism of Trump’s handling of various crises, including the mass deportations and the resultant civil unrest. By depicting him as Nero, the cartoon suggests that Trump is focusing on trivial matters or is indifferent, while significant issues, like the riots and their underlying causes, are left unaddressed. This reflects a broader critique of his leadership style and priorities during tumultuous times.

Originally published April 29, 2020 several weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2025-11, Donald Trump, Emperor, fiddles, fire, Nero, USA, White House

Thursday November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Trump’s second-term picks reveal a Cabinet stacked with loyalists, media personalities, and ultra-wealthy allies, sparking concern over the erosion of apolitical governance.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 14, 2024

A Government of the (Most) Loyal, by the (Most) Loyal, for the (Most) Loyal

As the 2024 election nears, high-profile Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, are urging President Biden to step aside in favour of a younger candidate to better counter Donald Trump’s populist campaign and secure a victory.

July 20, 2024

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his Cabinet appointments reflect a vision that deeply diverges from the traditions of U.S. governance and the peaceful transitions of power Americans have come to expect. Typically, the transition period is marked by a gracious, symbolically unifying gesture—a meeting at the White House where outgoing and incoming presidents signal continuity and respect for democratic processes. In 2020, Trump famously disrupted this tradition by refusing to meet with President-elect Joe Biden, a snub now underscored by incoming First Lady Melania Trump’s decision to skip the customary White House tour with Dr. Jill Biden. This refusal of symbolic unity is emblematic of Trump’s wider disregard for norms and appears to set the stage for an administration filled with loyalists, ideologues, and media personalities who may prioritize fealty over expertise.

News: Biden is about to have the meeting he’s been dreading with Trump

The convergence of Elon Musk’s influence over U.S. elections, Donald Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, and Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical agenda feels eerily like the unfolding of a real-life James Bond thriller, with democracy and global security hanging in the balance.

October 26, 2024

A closer look at Trump’s appointments reveals a Cabinet stacked with political loyalists, partisan firebrands, and billionaires. Notably, he has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a proposed new “Department of Government Efficiency.” Musk, the world’s richest man and a vocal Trump supporter, has contributed millions to pro-Trump political action committees and has frequently used his social media platform to shape public opinion in ways favourable to Trump’s agenda.

His potential control over government efficiency measures raises questions about the motives behind regulatory and budget cuts and whether they would truly benefit the American public or serve the interests of corporate allies and ultra-wealthy backers like Musk.

Equally concerning is the appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. A Fox News personality more known for his television commentary than military leadership, Hegseth has stoked divisive narratives, dismissing military diversity programs as “woke” and pushing rhetoric that undercuts the inclusion and unity central to military morale. His stance that women should not serve in the military suggests he might roll back decades of progress in creating a military that reflects American society. Moreover, his support for conspiracy theories around the “Stop the Steal” movement raises questions about his ability to objectively defend democratic principles in his role as defence chief.

News: ‘Who the f–k is this guy?’: Defense world reacts to Trump’s surprise Pentagon pick

Donald Trump’s campaign—marked by chaos, incivility, and a disregard for presidential norms—tests how much degradation Americans are willing to tolerate from their leaders, with dangerous implications for the future of democracy.

October 22, 2024

Adding to this is Trump’s proposed “warrior board,” an executive order that would replace the Pentagon’s existing promotion and review system with an ideologically driven panel of retired generals handpicked by Trump to judge “leadership qualities” among top officers. Retired Major General Paul Eaton of VoteVets has warned that this order would essentially create a “MAGA military,” compromising the apolitical tradition of the U.S. armed forces by ensuring loyalty to Trump rather than to the Constitution. This proposal follows Trump’s repeated complaints that he needs generals “like Hitler had,” raising fears that the Department of Defense may see an erosion of its independence if top officers are removed based on political conformity.

Trump’s choices for diplomatic roles also reveal a troubling blend of ideological rigidity and political favouritism. His anticipated appointment of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, for instance, signals a likely shift in U.S. foreign policy towards uncompromising support for Israeli expansionism. Huckabee has publicly opposed Palestinian statehood and encouraged Israel to annex West Bank territories. Such a position risks deepening the rift with allies who support a two-state solution, potentially alienating key international partners and compromising longstanding diplomatic strategies in the region.

Analysis: Trump rolls out his most MAGA picks for new White House term

February 11, 2021

The appointment of John Ratcliffe, a former intelligence official with a history of selectively declassifying intelligence for partisan advantage, as CIA Director, raises similar concerns. Ratcliffe’s prior tenure as Director of National Intelligence was marked by decisions that some felt jeopardized the agency’s nonpartisan reputation, such as his release of unverified information tied to Hillary Clinton during the Russia investigation. His return to intelligence could see further politicization, with critical security assessments potentially shaped by partisan agendas rather than objective analysis.

Perhaps most emblematic of the administration’s direction is Trump’s choice of Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Miller, an architect of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, has been one of the most polarizing figures from Trump’s first term, pushing policies like family separation and strict asylum restrictions. His return signals a potential crackdown on immigration policy that would likely exacerbate tensions and fears among immigrant communities, while also creating strain between the federal government and localities seeking more balanced approaches to immigration.

January 12, 2021

Taken together, these appointments suggest a presidency with little regard for expertise or experience if it comes at the expense of loyalty. The appointments reflect a push for a government populated by those willing to execute Trump’s agenda uncritically—an agenda focused less on inclusive governance and more on dismantling institutional safeguards that maintain checks and balances. The peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of American democracy, is not merely a procedural formality but a symbolic act that unites the country around shared principles. In 2020, Trump rejected this gesture. In 2024, his appointments appear set to challenge the very foundations of this tradition, reshaping the nation’s institutions to reflect not American democracy, but personal allegiance to one man.


A full week after the 2024 election, the roaring fire behind #46 and the incoming #47 at the Oval Office was hard to ignore. Donald Trump who left the place in flames on his way out in 2020, was back meeting with Joe Biden who, let’s face it, as one commentator said, looked like he’d rather be eating glass than doing the responsible thing. Defeated or lame duck, the presidential thing is to carry on the tradition of inviting the incoming leader, which every President had done for more than 2 centuries continued. Until of course, that one time when the incoming guy didn’t return the courtesy to the host 4 years ago. So, even a group of toddlers could point out who the bigger person was of the two?

This year, 44/47 behaved himself by not letting his mouth run off as photographers captured the moment.

Meanwhile, incoming Trump insignificant other Melania, the most inconsequential first lady ever, made herself even less significant by skipping the White House tour with Jill Biden, just in case you thought the Trump’s were really into unity. Spoiler alert: They weren’t. Apparently she won’t be hanging around the White House very much in years to come. I really don’t care, do you?

Could be that 46/47 may be attempting to start off statesman-like while letting family members carry out the snubs, slights, and give middle fingers to the masses of skeptics.

Donny Trump Jr. is the first nepo baby to the incoming monarch and threw out a doozy to Zelenskyy taunting the Ukrainian President about losing his allowance offered by the west for defending his country against the tyranny of Vladimir Putin. Donny must think loosing financial aid is worse than actually witnessing the horrors that the President of Ukraine has been dealing with.

Late breaking: Matt Gaetz has been nominated as Trump’s Attorney-General. At this point I’m wondering if Trump’s looney appointments are just designed to trigger saner people to lose their minds completely.

Now, as we look to #47’s earlier appointments, it’s clear that loyalty is the new currency. Forget about experience, competence, or even an understanding of basic governance. Trump’s Cabinet looks like it was assembled by a blindfolded Fox News producer after a weekend binge of conspiracy documentaries. Let’s start with the good ol’ “Department of Government Efficiency”—led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Yes, that’s right: the richest man in the world is apparently going to hack away at bureaucracy. You can almost hear the ping of his latest conflict-of-interest-laden contract from here.

And then, there’s Pete Hegseth—defence secretary-in-waiting and self-proclaimed “warrior” for the MAGA cause. Apparently, having seven kids and tattoos somehow qualifies you to run the military. Never mind the fact that Hegseth thinks women shouldn’t be in combat roles and has a very, very specific idea of what constitutes a “woke general.” It’s almost like his qualifications were forged in a right-wing think tank, not on the battlefield.

Let’s not even get started on his ideas about NATO, Ukraine, or Taiwan—unless you’re a fan of global instability. And while his confirmation hearings may provide the slimmest line of protection from the total chaos ahead, let’s face it: With a Congress full of Trump loyalists, that’s like putting up a picket fence in front of a bulldozer.

So buckle up, folks. It’s only been 1 week since the world changed

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack


 

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2024-20, Constitution, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden, Matt Gaetz, Oval Office, Pete Hegseth, RFK, RFK jr., USA, White House

Saturday July 20, 2024

July 20, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

As the 2024 election nears, high-profile Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, are urging President Biden to step aside in favour of a younger candidate to better counter Donald Trump’s populist campaign and secure a victory.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 20, 2024

Animated making-of version here!

For the Good of the Party, Biden Should Step Aside

The 2024 presidential debate has triggered a critical reassessment of Joe Biden's candidacy, stemming from concerns over his perceived weakness and inability to counter Donald Trump's falsehoods and controversial positions.

June 29, 2024

As the 2024 election approaches, President Joe Biden’s faltering debate performance and mounting concerns about his cognitive health have ignited a critical debate within the Democratic Party. High-profile Democrats, spearheaded by Nancy Pelosi, are increasingly advocating for Biden to step aside to prevent a potential disaster in the November elections. This call for a new, younger, and more dynamic candidate reflects a deep-seated anxiety that Biden, despite his honorable service and significant policy achievements, might not be the best standard-bearer against Donald Trump’s resurgent campaign.

Pelosi’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, as reported by the Washington Post, highlights the urgency of this situation. She has been actively engaging with influential figures such as former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, stressing the critical need for a fresh approach. Following Biden’s underwhelming debate performance, which exacerbated concerns about his cognitive decline, Pelosi and other prominent Democrats are pushing for a transition that would inject new energy into the party’s campaign.

News: Pelosi has told House Democrats that Biden may soon be persuaded to exit race

November 17, 2022

Donald Trump’s upward trajectory, fuelled by his populist rhetoric and a fortress mentality, poses a formidable threat to the Democrats. His campaign strategy capitalizes on a vision of American greatness and resilience, often cloaked in divisive and inflammatory language. To effectively counter this, Democrats must offer a compelling vision of their own—one that embraces American dynamism and optimism. David Brooks of The New York Times underscores this necessity, arguing that the Democratic response must include a bold agenda that taps into America’s pioneering spirit.

Democrats need to address several key issues that have alienated voters during Biden’s presidency. This includes ensuring international stability, securing the border, and strengthening social safety nets. Additionally, the party should champion policies that promote innovation and economic growth. Investing in infrastructure, education, and reducing regulatory burdens are essential steps. Moving away from reactionary policies such as rent control, Democrats should instead focus on an “abundance agenda” that emphasizes building new homes, advancing technology, and fostering a mobile, aspirational society.

Opinion: What Democrats Need to Do Now 

April 26, 2023

Biden has undeniably served with honour and achieved notable victories, but stepping aside now would be a profound act of patriotism. It would demonstrate a commitment to the country’s future over personal ambition, allowing for a new leader to build upon his legacy while effectively addressing Trump’s challenges. This decision could enable the Democrats to present a refreshed and vigorous campaign capable of securing a decisive victory in November.

Time is of the essence. The Democratic Party must act swiftly and decisively to ensure a strong, united front. By stepping down, Biden can facilitate a smooth transition to a new leader who embodies the energy and vision needed to confront Trump’s campaign and secure the party’s future. (AI)

This editorial cartoon was reprinted in the July 21, 2024 edition of the Toronto Sunday Star.

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2024-13, animated, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, cow, Donald Trump, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, Oval Office, pasture, retirement, USA, White House

Tuesday January 12, 2021

January 19, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 12, 2021

White House moving day packed with taxpayer-funded Covid-19 cleanings and shifting sports equipment

A thorough cleaning is part of the every-four-years tradition that comes with the outgoing president and his family swapping White House living with the incoming president and family. 

December 12, 2020

The delicate and highly choreographed event of packing up and moving out, and unpacking and moving in, done by dozens of prepped and trained staff and movers, typically occurs in the six-hour window when both the exiting and entering presidents and their spouses attend Inauguration Day ceremonies on Capitol Hill. By the time the new president and first lady return to the White House, all of their stuff will have been moved in and ready to go — down to a refrigerator stocked with their favorite foods and the master bathroom equipped with their preferred shampoo. 

But, like most things Trump administration, this January 20 won’t be very traditional.

Before the Bidens move in, the White House will first undergo a Covid-19 cleansing, top to bottom, from East Wing to West Wing. According to federal contract data reviewed by CNN, the total for the amplified White House inauguration deep clean right now hovers near a half-million dollars. 

This includes $127,000 for what one government order refers to as “2021 Inaugural Cleaning,” bid out to Didlake, a Virginia-based business that employs people with disabilities for jobs including janitorial and housekeeping services. That’s separate from a $44,000 order for carpet cleaning and the $115,000 purchase agreement for “2021 Presidential Inauguration and Transition Carpet Replacement and Installation to correct the current floor condition of selected interior floors for various offices,” within the East Wing, West Wing and Executive Office Building, according to the description.

November 24, 2020

In traditional administration-swaps, the bulk of the cleaning, while thorough, is done predominantly by White House staff — housekeepers, butlers, ushers — and upkeep such as electrical fixes and small maintenance jobs completed by White House workers, of which there are typically 90 to 100 in roles that range from pastry cooks to florists to plumbers. 

However, this time around, the incoming Biden administration wanted to ensure that 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, which has been a hot spot of at least three Covid-19 breakouts, gets the sort of scrub-down a pandemic deserves, according to a White House official who spoke with CNN on the condition of anonymity. 

“The idea that they would just move in seems unlikely,” said the official, who was not aware of the specific contract numbers but was aware there were additional measures being taken after the Trumps leave the White House. (CNN) 

 

Posted in: USA Tagged: 2021-01, 25th amendment, Capitol, cleanser, covid-19, Donald Trump, impeachment, insurrection, Oval Office, removal, sedition, USA, White House

Tuesday June 2, 2020

June 9, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 2, 2020

God Bless, and please help, our friend America

It was Justin Trudeau’s late father who, in 1969, coined the best description ever of what it’s like living next door to the United States. “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt,” he said in a speech.

April 29, 2020

Pierre Trudeau probably couldn’t have envisioned what is happening in America right now. Already weak and dazed thanks to poor stewardship, the elephant has become very sick over the past week. It is, in fact, convulsing. Its future is far from certain. 

It’s hard to watch. Even those of us who don’t care for many aspects of America — particularly Donald Trump’s America — feel sorrow and some trepidation.

The immediate crisis is the result of yet another unarmed black man being killed by white police. This time it started in Minneapolis. This time the black man, whose name was George Floyd, died after a cop knelt on his neck for just under nine minutes, while other officers stood by and watched. Floyd’s crime, apparently, was resisting arrest and acting belligerent, quite possibly under the influence. The cop who knelt on Floyd’s neck was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. And he was fired. Three other officers have been dismissed but have not yet been charged. 

May 5, 2020

The charged former officer has previously been involved in the fatal shooting of another suspect, and was the subject of 17 complaints during his two-decade police career.

The killing, caught on multiple videos, quickly went monstrously viral. And then all hell broke loose, and continues to do so, as recently as last night. Some demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails at police in Philadelphia, Pa., others set fires near the White House and faced tear gas and rubber bullets in Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Ga., and other cities. So far, deaths have been recorded in Kentucky, Detroit, Mich., and Minneapolis. Concerns have been raised about looters and vandals taking advantage of the protests.

It has been bad before when police kill unarmed black people. Tamir Rice was playing in a park. Eric Garner had just broken up a fight. Ezell Ford was walking in his neighbourhood. Philando Castile was driving home from dinner with his girlfriend. Dominique Clayton and Breonna Taylor were sleeping in their beds. But this is the worst in a very long time. Black Americans are 2.5 times as likely as white Americans to be shot and killed by police officers.

November 9, 2016

At times like this, you look to your elected leaders as a stabilizing force. The mayor of Minneapolis and the state governor have been trying. Not Donald Trump though. Rather than try to instill calm and call for unity, Trump went off on state governors during a video conference about the widespread violence. He told them to aggressively target violent protesters. He said “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks…” He ordered them to seek “retribution”. He counselled aggression, telling the governors “You don’t have to be too careful.” He said of the violence: “It’s a movement, if you don’t put it down it will get worse and worse … The only time its successful is when you’re weak and most of you are weak.”

Presumably, Trump was referring to Antifa, the violence left-wing protest group. It has certainly been active and no doubt is responsible for some of the violence, but the wave is much bigger than that. 

NOVEMBER 3RD.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2020


Barack Obama, by contrast, condemned the violence and called for the protesters to come together for peaceful protest and change. Of course, Obama is not in the White House. Trump is. God bless, and help, America. (Hamilton Spectator Editorial)

USA, White House, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, quote, BlackLivesMatter, racism, Donald Trump, white nationalism, bigotry


Letter to the Editor, Hamilton Spectator, Friday June 5, 2020

June 2 editorial cartoon said it all

Thank you Graeme MacKay for this cartoon (Kennedy’s ghost visiting Donald Trump)! It says it all. As someone who was a teenager when Martin Luther King, President Kennedy and then his brother Bobby were assassinated, I was in shock and devastated. The closest the U.S. ever came again to being in that position was when Barack Obama became president. Now we watch and listen to the rhetoric of the most disgusting president ever. Everything presidents Lincoln, Kennedy and Obama, as well as Sen. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, stood for are ignored by today’s “leader.” The election cannot come fast enough.

Gwen Vance, Hamilton
Posted in: USA Tagged: 2020-19, Abraham Lincoln, bigotry, BlackLivesMatter, Donald Trump, Feedback, John F. Kennedy, quote, racism, USA, White House, white nationalism
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