‘Making America Plunge Again, Again, and Again

I have always been mystified by the mesmeric appeal of Donald J that got him elected. As far as presidents go in my lifetime, I’d put John Kennedy as the most gifted orator, Reagan the most charismatic, George Bush (41) the most likely to vomit, while in office. Even Nixon emitted a keen statesmanship quality along with being highly intelligent. But, Donald J? He can barely utter a phrase with any semblance of cognition, unless it’s oozing with vitriolic bitterness and insult. I’m at a loss as to why the MAGA crowd continues to embrace him and Congress continues to shamelessly hump his leg. To me, Donald Trump has all the finesse of an overflowing toilet.

‘The Eyesoar Monstrosity’

When Donald J invaded the Kennedy Center, claiming it was anti-American and woke, he fired the staff and Board of Directors. He replaced them with incompetent MAGA stalwart drones, causing a mass exodus of artists, the National Symphony, and both the Opera and Ballet companies. He shut it down, claiming it was going to be renovated and reopened in two years. In a completely selfless act, thinking only of integrity of the arts, he ordered his name emblazoned across the building’s façade, positioning it before JFK’s name. Following a court order to remove his name, the spoiled brat of the White House threw another orange tantrum, crying if his name was is not allowed on the building, then the building was to be demolished. What a perfect example of Aesop’s Dog in the Manger fable and just another example of Mr. Trump’s methodology in making America great… again.

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With the maniacal manner of our current White House resident, I felt compelled to repost this cartoon from last January, demonstrating 1) my undying affection for the great country and its people to our immediate north, and 2) how Donald J continues to stir up the same issue, over and over and applying the same losing tactic over and over, while expecting different results — over and over. That’s not only the definition of insanity, it’s just plain stupidity. There are confirmed reports circulating that he is now threatening to change the name of the Great Lake Ontario, to America. Even his demented sense of twisted reality lacks creative imagination. Just plain ol’ America? Same name as he used when scribbling over Gulf of Mexico in his Rand McNally? Meanwhile, to feed his pubescent ego, our grocery prices increase, along with many other goods, as the trade war ramps up with our second most active trade partner and closest friend. I have an impulse to drive 400 miles north, press my face against the glass, and issue love messages interspersed with apologies using semaphore.

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‘Supreme Clogger, Chief Justice’

Despite an move by Congress to cease work on the Big Beautiful Ballroom of Tri-TRUMPhant glory, the Supreme court ruled to…”awww-shucks” go ahead, if whitto, boopy-whoopy Donnie wonnie wants it… whitto boopy-whoopy Donnie wonnie can have it. I picture Chief Justice Roberts as an Appalachian clogging puppet controlled by his boss, Trump on the mouth harp.

'Orange Rain, Orange Snow, Orange Gloom Will Stay the Courier’

Sweating and nervous, a cornered Trump is rescued by his Court Jesters, allowing his interference in Mail-in voting.

‘High Friends in Low Places’

After finishing my first cartoon last night, I got ready for bed, so I’d be ready to tackle the next one in the morning. Typically, after climbing into bed, I take a last look at my phone for any missed messages and glimpse the latest news headlines.

“Supreme Court Allows Trump’s Mail Voting Limits.” Damn. So, I went back to my studio and sharpened my pencils. The first one that came to mind [below sketch] was dashed out with anger-driven vigor. It felt awfully good to do it. But, reconsidered including it among my weekly allotment that get distributed to potential publication, other than SubStack, as it’s vulgar expression may not be suitable for the delicate diet of American mainstream readership.

Your Job, Should You Choose to Accept It. I offer it up here for review by my subscribers, who already know my vulgar, lowly level of taste and class. I’m eager to hear YOUR opinion — dear reader, your candid take, your honest criticism on this rough sketch. Should I take it to final for distribution? Or, do you deem it more appropriate for the likes of Hustler Magazine?

Thanks for playing.

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The title is a cloaked reference to legendary Davey Jones’ Locker. In mariner lore, it’s a metaphorical term for the bottom of the sea; the mythical final resting place of doomed sailors.

All’s well on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, according to SecDef, Pete Hegseth. He has it all under his command and his control. No need to worry. Don’t give it another thought.

When I was a kid, there were some things you could always count on. Every third Wednesday of the month there’d be a “duck & cover” nuclear attack drill and every issue of Boys Life Magazine carried the same dorky ad for Sea Monkeys. For $1.25 you could get an entire community of little web-footed sea creatures that had individual personalities with human features who’d play games and you could train to do tricks — “hours of fun for a girl and a boy.” Yeah, well… not so much. I knew two kids who got them. The Sea Monkeys arrived by mail in an envelope, looking more like a scoop of Ovaltine than monkeys. Put in water, they’d hydrate and move around for a few hours, then die. No tricks. Any kid who bragged he taught his sea monkeys to perform any trick other than ‘play dead,’ we knew was full of crap.

‘National Security Bankie’

The President’s relationship with White House aide, Natalie Harp is gaining in renewed scrutiny. At a rally in Georgia last weekend, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff mocked Trump for prioritizing Ms. Harp over high-ranking Cabinet members and his White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt for evacuation of Air Force One during a security threat in Turkey last month. When questioned about Ossoff’s comments, at a White House press event, Trump flew into a rage, spewing personal attacks on CNN correspondent Kristin Holmes.

“You’re a loud, boisterous person,” Trump yelled, “you’re fake news!” Official White House social media continued to attack Holmes, with extortionate cruelty and inane rants. “Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question,” the post read. “They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent so callous and vindictive.”

All this vitriol for a 14 year veteran correspondent asking for a response to Senator Ossoff’s comments. It’s evident who’s being “disgusting and inhumane” in this exchange.

Meanwhile, Ms. Harp, aka “the human printer… Trump’s Binkie… Trump’s Comfort Blanket is always within reach of President Forty-Seven.

It’s in that spirit, I offer the following “disgusting and inhumane” lampoon:

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It seems Donald' J’s security evacuation of Air Force One, via the airport catering truck raised a few eyebrows and rancor around White House. Cabinet members, the press corps, including Press Secretary Karoline Levitt were left on the targeted aircraft, while Trump’s most loyal, longterm supporters were selected to go under the wing of safety, along with the President. What was particularly ire-raising was that among the chosen few was totem pole bottom dweller Natalie Harp, Trump’s angel of accolades and head cheerleader for the MAGA mob. Apparently, Trump himself insisted on her inclusion, begging the question of her qualifications being competence or pulchritude? There’s been chatter that this was the last straw leading to Levitt’s resignation

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‘When Donkeys Fly’

“Don’t you see the rest of the country looks upon New York like we’re left-wing, communist, Jewish, homosexual pornographers? I think of us that way sometimes and I live here.” ― Woody Allen, Annie Hall: Screenplay

Knowing the MAGA constituency is convinced the Democratic Party is a communist organization hell bent on turning the Union into a seething mud pit commune of welfare deadbeat queer, godless, antichrist immigrants that’ll eat our pets and taint the blood of our Aryan daughters with subhuman mongrels — saner minds among the Democrats best get their asses (as in donkeys) in line and polish their image. Good luck with that and while I’m at it, a hearty shoutout to Sisyphus pushing that boulder up the hill.

Donald J now asserts the greatest threat to the U.S. is communism and that the Democratic Party is in fact a communist party, equating it with Leninist, Stalinist hammer & sickle wielding, Soviet style communism. As in his stolen election myth, Trump keeps feeding the fires of fear and suspicion with his sinister lies. Trump’s version of McCarthyism only needs to work until the midterm elections. So far, it’s resonating nicely throughout the MAGA collective where the minions parrot the word in obedient response, filling the interstices of silences between the cacophony of political banter with repetitive jingles and slogans — much like the robotic conversational style in Huxley’s Brave New World.

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The “Ursa Mojo Rising” cartoon [below] was a somewhat cloaked dose of sarcasm on uproar over the rise in bears invading humans' properties, when in fact it’s human encroachment that's provoked most of those incidents. Protests of interloper Goldilocks demonstrate the hypocrisy. The final work deviated from the sketch, giving it a morbid outcome… consistent with dark nature of the original brothers Grimm fairytales. Poignancy aside, it was a fun cartoon to produce, with the storybook feel and an effort at creating a whimsical Maxfield Parrish style backdrop. The title adds to the lore with a twist on the “Bear” zodiac signs Ursa Major/Ursa Minor and astrological terminology, to come up with “Ursa Mojo Rising.”

The “MAGA-fied Issues” [below] cartoon followed the sketch visually, but the message was adjusted to match the outrageous nature of Trump using the 1950s Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare tactic to incite fear and loathing against anyone who isn’t a MAGA Trump minion. It also drives the point that many of his noxious policies strip environmental protection measures and contribute to the warming climate.

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‘Ursa Mojo Rising’

Bear incidents are becoming more common. The once reclusive creatures are getting bolder, invading people’s yards, aggressively going through trash, breaking into cars and homes, as they forage for food. The main culprit, as in wildfires and super storms are due to a warming planet. As to the issue of bears’ encroachment, it’s actually the other way around. Humans keep expanding their territory destroying wildlife habitats and maintain activities and policies that contribute to the warming climate.

Meanwhile, in this Once-Upon-a-Time in the forest scenario, Goldie Locks handles the tit-for-tat visit from the Three Bears with hardened steel tact.

‘MAGA-fying Issues’

The shared core theme of this week’s cartoons is clearly evident in this one, concerning the contributing causalities to draught and wildfires.

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When I was a kid in sixth grade art class, my teacher praised the landscape painting I had produced. But, was curious why I had put, what looked like red apples on the pine trees. That’s when it was evident that I was colorblind; confirmed a few years later in my military service physical.

Over the years, I’d manage to use color charts and mixing formulae to compensate as best I could.

Today, I received a note from an editor wanting to use the cartoon, but had trouble with the “excrement” [they used another term] smeared on Prince Salman’s tush. What I had intended to be residue of Trump’s orange face appeared much differently to them

As that feature had no real impact on the cartoon’s message, I removed the offending substance and re-submitted it for publication. And, please accept my apologies to anyone else out there who took it to not be orange residue.

Damn my color perception affliction.

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‘Welcome to the MAGAkingdom’

Once Upon a Time in a land far, far from sanity, lived a crooked little rich man with an orange complexion who ran a very big country. Sorry, folks. There’s no happy ending to this fairytale. The crooked little rich man continues to run amok, unabated. Again and again, he engulfs another toy to strip mine until its empty frame falls to pieces in unrecognizable debris. Amazingly, each time he does it, the minions applaud and whistle, like praising the creepy little kid in the Twilight Zone episode, “It’s a Good Life.” “It’s good you done that… it’s good you destroy everything you tinker with.”

Now, his small-minded sights are set on the Smithsonian, because they apparently have exhibits that point out times when we’ve fallen short of the American creed. Things like slavery and full-scale near genocide of indigenous peoples. You know, real bummer zingers that snip in the bud, that euphoric feeling of blind pride and hubris.

Donald J has ordered large banners be hung on Smithsonian buildings that alert museum goers the exhibits are “inaccurate,” accusing Smithsonian management as “politicizing” their exhibits. Sharing historical fact is “politicizing?” Typical of Trump’s accusations, this claim is ablaze with hypocrisy. Trump’s historical recollections are full of castigations vilifying past doctrines that he claim don’t fit his MAGA Aryan mold. Cases in point: Donald J ordered inclusion of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen in Air Force training courses be removed. The resulting outcry got the order rescinded. He ordered that the plaques accompanying portraits of past presidents in the White House be altered to chastise Obama and Biden. Under Obama’s portrait, he writes, “Barack Hussein Obama was the first Black President, a community organizer, one term Senator from Illinois, and one of the most divisive political figures in American History.” Under Biden’s portrait, he personally penned the text to read, “Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History,” adding that he took office “as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States.” I’d say these examples are the epitome of inaccurately politicizing historical exhibits. In this place, despite the outcry, the plaques remain in place.

As to the Smithsonian operation, Trump’s trigger warnings alert wholesome Americans that they may be exposed to negative aspects about their beloved country. Mr. Trump is protecting the delicate sensibilities of his MAGA base who apparently need romantic lore and fable to sustain their masks of patriotism. Trump fails to see the measure of what truly makes America already great. Through continual vigilance to keep our country great, we recognize and acknowledge and endeavor to correct its mistakes. These candid assessments are what sustains us in our on-going quest to make America a more prefect union. And, it is in this effort that distinguishes an open, people-centric democratic republic from an oppressive autocratic dictatorship.

Apparent in his actions, Trump’s mentality is to ignore, omit, and sweep the unsavory bits of history under the rug… something he excels at doing. This tactic — like his hanging huge portraits of his mug all over Washington DC, exemplifies propaganda of dictatorships from Franco’s Spain and Hitler’s Germany to Stalin’s USSR and Kim Jong Il’s North Korea. These are terrifying role models to emulate. Well into the second year of his (oh Lordy, please let it be final) term, Mr. Trump’s course has been the very antithesis at keeping America truly great.

I am proudly and emphatically adding my voice to the outcry against Trump’s overreach.

In my politicized cartoon using hyperbole and metaphor, Tinkertrump spreads his caustic MAGA DUST on the Smithsonian Institution.

‘Pounding Sand’

Shortly after Trump’s granting Saudi Arabia their decades old wish for help with nuclear enrichment capabilities, the deal is contingent on certain caveats. Some of the clearer-minded Americans have expressed legitimate concern about adding another nuclear power to the Middle East. It’s uncertain as to what extent these conditions would involve safeguards and protocols and in what level of inspections would be required to assure the Saudis are working within parameters of the International Atomic Energy Agency. But, knowing Donald J, my twisted satirical sense can’t help consider there may be other conditions.

This sketch of Donald J strangling himself with his own tongue may (or, may not) be brought to a final rendering by the end of the week. The subject is Trump’s agonizingly pathetic one-hour rambling speech at the recent White House Correspondent’s Dinner. If you recall, the original event on April 24 had been interrupted when an uninvited gunman crashed the party. I’m not certain it merits a fully finished cartoon. I’d rather it be a lousy sketch than a lousy cartoon.

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Note from the Editor: These weekly cartoons usually come out further along in the week (Thursday). But, there’s some other projects and activities going on this week, so I worked over the weekend to get this week’s offerings completed. And, considering the timeliness of the topics covered in these cartoons, I didn’t want them to rot on the vine.

‘Fires Out of Control’

From the candidate who claimed he’d start no foreign wars (which, of course one could surmise doesn’t rule out wars at home), we’re on the brink of full-scale, all-out boom-badda-bing perpetual military entanglement. Meanwhile, Donald J feels the impulse to issue full-scale, all-out insulting bombardments of blame on Canada for being the negligent perpetrators of the rampant wildfires in that country (and the U.S.). His claim is by their not clearing the brush from forested areas, the wildfires grew exponentially. While thick undergrowth does contribute to fire spreading, most of Canada’s forests are in the wilderness; vast areas that make brush clearing virtually impossible. Fires are natural phenomena, usually caused by lightning, and they burn off dense areas to promote new growth. Our warming climate has increased draught-induced drying out of large areas further north and has induced more severe weather, planet-wide, thus increasing incidences of lightning and fires. So, if blame must be dolled out on this issue, how about directing some of it toward policies that contribute to climate warming. What are the chances of that happening? This narcissistic pendant would never accept an iota of responsibility. Metaphorically, the smoke from his pants-on-fire lying is harder to inhale than what’s coming out of Canada or U.S. wild lands these days.

'Fifty Shades of Trump’

The issue inspiring this cartoon needs little explanation. But, I do feel the need to share something about the development process. After finishing this satirical parody, it occurred to me that it may be like one of those Onion articles that may be confused as the genuine article and its message taken as factual. I added commentary from the seagull issuing its succinct bit of profundity.

I put that question to you, my astutely erudite audience. Was it necessary and is it an added benefit to the cartoon to have added the seagull’s observation? Or, would it have been better served without it? Pray tell.

Footnote: for those who are interested in drilling down more on the the Aryan reference, check out Alfred Ploetz and the German Society for Racial Hygiene.

+EXTRA: ’Fire in the Hole’

Here is another case of hesitation in publishing. If the venue were a newspaper and my syndicate, I’d likely not submit this bit of twisted humor with its questionable measure of tastelessness. But, considering this venue is more open to free expression, experimental theatre and edgy art… rather like material more suited for National Lampoon, I’m including it. Again, candid comments are welcome.

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After last night’s (Friday, July 16, 2026) speech, a new room is needed in the White House. In place of a ballroom, how about a rubber room

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The wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota combined with the weeks-long high temperatures inspired this quickly rendered bonus cartoon.

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Will Lindsey Graham’s sister fall prey to the Machiavellian manipulations of the orange felon of fraudulent falsehoods? My irreverent cartoon suggests it is not beneath him to stoop to that level for a try at it. Though it’s a temporary appointment, I sincerely hope that Ms. Darline Graham Nordone will not turn out to be another one of Trump’s toady Graham crackers, like her brother

‘End of the Trail, Without Reservation’

Donald J continues his quest at demolishing everything he touches. This time, he used a law that was designed to create something for purposes of destroying. The Antiquities Act of 1906 was adopted for the sole purpose of creating National Monuments of Federal lands, guaranteeing preservation of natural resources and protect lands considered sacred by indigenous peoples. Trump used that power, not to expand, not to protect, not to preserve, but to remove nearly ninety-percent of land from protection on two of the monuments. Those lands will now be open to mining, drilling, and otherwise industrial development by private enterprises — again, perks for his billionaire cronies who contributed to his (and other MAGA minions’) political campaigns.

My cartoon uses the iconic “End of the Trail” 1894 sculpture by American artist, James Earle Fraser, that shows a defeated Indian brave on horseback wearing the remains of an animal skin blanket and spear, while Trump moves toward him with earth-moving equipment.

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Premium for Contributing Subscribers

As a token of appreciation for your support, paid subscribers to the Artleytoons Cartoon Bunker will receive this satirical paperback book, “Who’s That Man with Mr. Lincoln, Mommy?” Authored by James Darrin, this book features the works of twenty-five cartoonists, including Pulitzer and Herblock prize winners.

Who's That Man' is a humorous catalog of the Trump administration's dysfunction and deceit wrapped in a children's book parody and punctuated by dozens of scathing editorial cartoons by some of the top cartoonists in the country

Below is my spread in the book

This book is available exclusively to PAID SUBSCRIBERS as a PREMIUM for their support

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Pulling the last line from the Italian song, “O Sole Mio” seemed an appropriate title for this cartoon, giving a dark twist to the song’s benevolent intent of “in your face” lyric. Misogynistic Donald J has a pattern with women in power. If they praise him with cow-eyed, puppy-dog, tail wagging adoration — his appetite for approval is satiated. Once they deviate from his imposed narrow path of behavior, they become his mortal enemy. And, he won’t let it go. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is no exception. I pity the seating arrangement concierge at this week’s NATO meeting. Then again, pretty much anyone our bellicose boar is placed next to in this group is a painful experience. How much time is left in forty-seven’s term? We’re only halfway into the second year? Mama mia… I’d say this calls for a chorus of “Vesti la Giubba” from Pagliacci

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Like Sand Through the Hourglass…’

I have come to believe the Republicans are, in one sense, like the Borg (click for those of you non-Trekkies out there in the ether who aren’t familiar with the Borg). Like the Borg, they share a kind of collective hive mentality that allows complete telepathic connectivity at all times, keeping their tactics of conquest on a universal wavelength. If one single-minded, hard right Republican knows something, they all do. And, in that single-minded, hard right, hard-edged agenda on which they all unconsciously innately agree.

How is it that the Democrats waited this long into the midterms election cycle to conclude that Graham Platner may not indeed be their golden boy to take away the 20 year Senate seat from Susan Collins? Platner’s sexual misconduct issues have been known since the primaries, so why is it a “OMG, What-Have-We-Wrought” moment at this particular moment? C’mon, guys. If you aren’t capable of the Borg brain-to-brain messaging like the Republicans, at least give the drums or semaphore a try.

But, that alone isn’t the core issue that divides the Party, is it, kids? The continuing battle between the Progressives and the Centrists is making it a House (and Senate) divided. There’s no defeating the single, main-framed brain Borg, with two factions on the same side who can barely speak the same language, regardless of the communication method.

‘The Trump Dance’

Don Trump makes Gianni Infantino an offer he can’t refuse. But, the reaction sent a shock wave through the soccer world leaving the U.S. drenched in the resulting tsunami of ridicule. It’s quite a legacy ol’ Forty-Seven “Make America Great Again” president is leaving. He’s going down in history as a ridiculous meme… again and again and again.

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“I believe in America.” That’s the first line in the 1973 film The Godfather. On this 250th birthday of the United States, I’m filled with ambiguity. It’s two sides of the same coin. Paradoxical. Pride/Shame; Joy/Dispair; Jeckyll/Hyde.

Yesterday, the National Mall in Washington DC suspended its strict no fly zone rules and allowed aircraft to perform stunning aerobatic maneuvers over the monuments and government buildings. The Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, WWII aircraft, the B-2 Stealth bomber and more were there… all a spectacular display of America’s might. I love aeronautics and airshows. I’ve flown in WWII aircraft doing barrel rolls and dives. And, ordinarily I’d be thrilled with a show of this nature, especially on this momentous occasion honoring the 250th year of our Ship of State. But, considering who’s at the helm of that ship and the course it is on, my celebration is stuck in dry dock.

What chilled me most was the setting beneath the airshow. All through the city, banners sporting Trump’s stern face, giving the Orwellian Big Brother glare to the masses, reminiscent of Soviet Russia with huge icons of Lenin and Stalin. Parades included a display of their military might. That image was the catalyst for my rendering today.

I still believe in America. But, today stuck in this darkened room of Godfather, Don Trump, I won’t be celebrating.

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These sketches were workup drafts during the concept development process for this week’s cartoons. Most sketches I do during this stage of the process are tossed, but occasionally are kept as consideration for future use.

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