bad optics

Trump 9/11 flyover leaves trail of criticism
TRUMP JET OVER 9/11 MEMORIAL by Pat Bagley, politicalcartoons.com
On the eve of the September 11 anniversary in 2026, former President Donald Trump conducted a jet flyover of the 9/11 Memorial. The maneuver drew immediate criticism for perceived disrespect during solemn commemorations. Observers noted the timing and execution as tone-deaf political theater. The cartoon captures this moment by depicting the flyover leaving a visible trail of damage in its wake. It argues that the action prioritizes spectacle over solemn remembrance and risks further polarizing public sentiment around national tragedy.
US Extends Zero-Tariff Offer to Africa While Wielding Sanctions Elsewhere
Luojie, China Daily, China
The United States has extended a zero-tariff policy offer to African nations amid ongoing global trade tensions. This move stands in contrast to simultaneous use of tariffs and sanctions against other trading partners. The policy highlights selective economic engagement by Washington. The editorial position criticizes the inconsistency between the overture to Africa and the punitive approach applied more broadly.
FIFA referee shows red card to diaper-clad Trump on World Cup pitch
FIFA RED CARDS CRYING TRUMP BABY by Pat Bagley, politicalcartoons.com
On July 6, 2026, a cartoon depicts a FIFA referee brandishing a red card at a diapered figure resembling Donald Trump sprawled on a soccer field. The oversized infant wails while a player wearing a World Cup jersey stands to the side. A soccer ball rests nearby on the grass. The scene references ongoing tensions around the 2026 World Cup hosting and political figures associated with the event.
Cartoon Shows Figure With Help Sign Facing Another With Cash
TRUMP NOT THINKING ABOUT AMERICANS' FINANCES by Dave Whamond, politicalcartoons.com
Visible in the cartoon are two figures facing each other. The left figure wears a blue shirt labeled trump, holds a white sign reading please help, and carries a red hat marked maga. The right figure has yellow hair, a black jacket with green bills protruding from pockets, and a red tie. Two speech bubbles display the phrases remember me and i dont think about you not even a little bit. The artist signature whamond and cagle.com/whamond appear at the bottom.
Doug Ford bull goes to Texas
DOUG FORD BULL GOES TO TEXAS by Graeme MacKay, politicalcartoons.com
Kristi Noem's Horse Says 'Hell No' to Sunset Ride in Savage Political Cartoon
THE FIRING OF KRISTI NOEM by Jeff Koterba, politicalcartoons.com
This Jeff Koterba political cartoon skewers Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor embroiled in GOP scandal over her infamous dog-killing anecdote. Depicted as a cowgirl on a horse labeled 'NOEM,' the steed profanely refuses to 'take you into the sunset,' symbolizing the abrupt halt to her rising star in conservative politics, particularly her dashed hopes as a Trump VP pick. The humorous rejection underscores the backlash from animal cruelty revelations, blending satire with sharp commentary on Republican controversy and election humor. Viral potential lies in its irreverent take on political downfall, making it a shareable gem in American politics discourse.
Kristi Noem's Graveyard Gaffe: ICE Op Deemed 'Pretty Good' in Satirical Cartoon
ICE OPERATION PERSPECTIVES by Dave Whamond, politicalcartoons.com
This political cartoon by Whamond features South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a prominent Republican and potential Trump ally, wearing a cowboy hat labeled 'NOEM' and speaking at a podium. She declares, 'Actually, I think this ICE operation went pretty good,' while standing beside two gravestones inscribed with 'Alex Pretti' and 'Renee Nicole Good,' adorned with flowers. The image satirizes immigration enforcement, border policy, and the human cost of deportation, highlighting perceived political callousness toward migrant deaths. Through humor and irony, it critiques how politicians like Noem might downplay tragedies in ICE operations, making it a sharp editorial cartoon on current Republican stances.
White House Renovations
WHITE HOUSE RENOVATIONS by Dave Whamond, politicalcartoons.com
Past Presidents Confront Trump Over Proposed Gold Ballroom
PRESIDENTS STUPID GOLD BALLROOM by Ed Wexler, politicalcartoons.com
A group of past U.S. presidents appears in a 2025 cartoon by Ed Wexler, confronting Donald Trump about a proposed gold ballroom addition to the White House. The speech bubble from the group states their opposition to the ostentatious project. The image draws on themes of fiscal responsibility and poor optics for such a legacy undertaking. Trump is shown on the right, facing the cluster of figures. The date places this in the context of ongoing discussions about presidential projects and White House modifications.
Trump backs out of 60 minute interview
TRUMP BACKS OUT OF 60 MINUTE INTERVIEW by Dave Whamond, politicalcartoons.com
Mar
15
2024
Courtroom optics
COURTROOM OPTICS by Dave Whamond, politicalcartoons.com
Sep
27
2023
Biden Stumbles
Dick Wright, PoliticalCartoons.com
Jul
18
2023
Biden's Granddaughter
Dick Wright, PoliticalCartoons.com
TENNESSEE Andy Ogles' terrible optics
TENNESSEE ANDY OGLES' TERRIBLE OPTICS by John Cole, politicalcartoons.com
Sep
4
2022
Satanic Optics
SATANIC OPTICS by Rivers, politicalcartoons.com
Free Daily Newsletter
Get our cartoons and comments in your inbox for free!
Latest Columns
Opinions & Commentary
There aren’t enough rich people to tax to fund what Democratic Socialists of America candidates are promising. The millionaire next door When... More
Candice Odgers gave both of her daughters smartphones for their eleventh birthdays and even let her youngest daughter use Snapchat. You might... More
A wedding is when two people celebrate their love by financially ambushing everyone they know. I have not attended many weddings. In... More
Why is four-year college tuition so high in America? William Bennett, President Reagan's secretary of education, offered his hypothesis in 1987. In... More
Following the 2024 election, many progressives thought they could work with the Trump administration on antitrust policy. Their optimism stemmed from the... More
I have officially become a senior engineer. No, I haven’t been promoted. Pffh. What made you think that? I have developed neck... More