POLITICAL CARTOONS—MY FAVS OF 2025

THERE’S AN ADMIRABLE HERITAGE of political cartooning in our country, stretching back at least 150 years to the Father of the American Cartoon, Thomas Nast (1840–1902). 

“Is this a republican form of government? Is this protecting life, liberty, or property? Is this equal protection of the laws?” A Harper’s Weekly cartoon by Thomas Nast, September 2, 1876.

Here are my favorites of 2025 assembled from three sources: Cartoon Movement (indeed, with artists from around the world, and from which comes the lede montage in laptop viewing); CT Insider; and RJ Matson.

The Queens Felon’s Mob Harasses Zelinskyy. Wikipedia describes the “highly contentious meeting” of Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelinskyy at the White House, February 28, 2025. “Media outlets,” Wikipedia observes, “described it as an unprecedented public confrontation between an American president and a foreign head of state.” 

“Why aren’t you wearing a clown nose?”—Zez Vas, Portugal. Image from Cartoon Movement.

Our National Prevaricator and Friends. Alas, here’s how others around the world see the United States. 

All Lies.—Lectrr (Belgium). Image from Cartoon Movement.

Hello, Democrats: Are You Listening? The iconic Uncle Sam was by James Montgomery Flagg (who fashioned his own image for a 1916 Leslie’s Weekly cover). Back then, the concern was WWI recruitment. This time around, specific members of congress are sought.

Image by Bill Bramhall/Tribune from CT Insider.

May It Start With Us? As a born-again Californian, I am proud to be part of this sentiment. 

The Rising.—by Horsey/The Seattle Times. Image from CT Insider. 

Pruning the Tree of History. Our Founding Fathers devised a wondrous separation of powers among their three branches of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Alas….

Image by Matson/CQ Roll Call. 

Sorry, Tinkerbell. This, of course, is what happens when a narcissistic megalomaniac gets his way.

The New White House Magic Kingdom & Ballroom.—Matson/e pluribus cartoonum.

A Brain Worm at Work. See “RFK Jr.’s Evil Asinine Inept Nonsense” and  “RFK Jr., Science, and The Atlantic.” No doubt you’ll recognize Alfred E. Newman; see Wikipedia for interesting background.

“What, Me Worry?—by Matson/CQ Roll Call. 

A Very Stable Genius. ’Nuff said.

“September 23, 2025—President Donald J. Trump Addresses The United Nations General Assembly.—by Matson/e pluribus cartoonum.

Sincere thanks to immensely talented cartoonists Bill Branhall, Horsey, Lectrr, Matson, and Zez Vas. You and your colleagues help me get through the day. ds

© Dennis Simanaitis, SimanaitisSays.com, 2026