Since President Biden left the White House, the daily news cycle has turned into a foutoir total. Every day, we hear stories about cuts to important government departments, violations of human rights, aggressive actions taken against our allies, declining stock prices, failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, oppressive tariffs that may cause stagnation, imperialist threats to take over other countries, rollbacks to consumer and environmental protections, defunding of scientific and medical research, destruction of humanitarian aid programs, challenges to our judicial system and the rule of law, and the list goes on.
People worldwide are watching and, like many of my fellow citizens, scratching their heads while trying to determine what they can do to stop the bleeding. In that light, I thought it worthwhile to feature the work of France’s favorite political cartoonists, drawn since January 20, 2025.
Political cartooning is a topic near and dear to my heart—one that I’ve often covered. Never have I had so many to choose from. I tried to limit this post to one cartoon per cartoonist. In reality, many of the dessinateurs featured below produce multiple frames of genius each week. I’ve provided a link in each drawing’s caption to a site that gives more examples of the artist’s work.
I usually kick off such displays with an invitation to “enjoy”. Today’s might better be tagged “brace yourself”.
Return to the Unreality Show
“We’re back in the house!”
[Trump addressing Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union.]
“You have a nice business there. It’s important that nothing happens to it.”
Tariff Wars
The Trump administration faced with the puzzle of reciprocal tariffs.
“Do something similar for everyone and specific to each!”
[In March, Trump threatened new tariffs on Canada, including a 250% tax on dairy.]
“Open wide, big boy, it’s delicious Canadian milk taxed at 250%!”
“I love being president”
“and I cut tariffs”
“and I restore tariffs”
“and I cut tar”…
Imperialistic Belligerence
In Greenland they’ll long tell the story of the failed annexation.
“He was fat, he was orange, and he tasted fantastic!”
JD Vance in Greenland
“If the baby bear is here, it means the papa bear isn’t far away!”
American Pressure
Canada reconsiders its defense
“We’re betting it all on Céline Dion!”
The Social Media Site Formerly Known as Twitter
“Should I stay on X?
I put the question to my followers…”
Green: Yes
Blue: No
Orange: Go get raped and kill yourself you filthy woke-ist.
The Gaza Stripping
Optimistic Trump
“The work on my Riviera is advancing.”
Why did Netanyahu break the ceasefire?
“The Riviera isn’t going to build itself!”
Governmental Lobotomization
Suppression of U.S. Aid
“We’re hiring in the tourism and hotel sectors!”
“No more handouts!”
Should we fear a massive influx of American scientists?
“Your new office!”
Miscellaneous Malignancies
Tesla collapses
“No problem!!”
“These marvelous Ladas, sold by my new friend, will drive America onto the road of success!”
[America’s new deportation policies.]
[Trump recently suggested the United States could run Ukraine’s power plants.]
Weather
“Be ready to open your nuclear umbrellas.”
The United States wants to ban Tik Tok
“I already told you!”
“We don’t show our breasts to the Chinese!”
Peace Balks
Ukraine: A controversial peace without the Europeans?
“Let’s hope they fail.”
Deal
“You de-nazify Ukraine…”
“I re-nazify Europe.”
Survival Strategies
“The greatest danger for Europe’s 27 countries, is that each one bows its head hoping to be spared more than the others from the U.S.A.”
“Living is not waiting for the storm to pass. Living is learning how to dance beneath the rain.”
(Seneca)
Thoughts?
I’m curious if any of the controversies lampooned above were new to you. Are you surprised by the implied threat expressed by many of the frames? Do you think Europeans are following the actions of America’s new commander-in-chief more closely than most Americans are? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
A very good selection Carol… Sadly it is only too real…
(I like the Polar bear best… Hé, hé…)
Best wishes tomorrow.
Thanks Brieuc. Just finished reading an article about staying safe during a protest. Sad that this is necessary.
That may be my favorite cartoon too. Landschultz is new to me. Many of her frames cracked me up. Most are not overtly political like this one, more social commentary.
Ciao
Ciao ciao. I hope protest went well on your turf. My greatest fear is an imbecile cop or worse,shooting…
The average age was older than I would have liked, but I’m glad I went. More disabled people than one usually finds at such events, so that was positive (I guess).
Older? Hmmm. That’s both interesting and of concern… But it has to be done. And repeated. I was thinking of the “Madres de la Plaza de Mayo”, the mothers in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, during the military junta. Every Sunday they went and protested. The military never dared arrest them. They helped overthrow the Junta… If Americans take to the streets every Saturday… They can ‘t be ignored…
Good point. Perhaps, the momentum will build rather than dwindle. After Trump’s first inauguration, I went to some very well attended and energetic demonstrations, The Woman’s March, and one opposing the Muslim Travel Ban. But, one year later, enthusiasm for protests was greatly reduced. Sadly, conditions will have to get worse for more people before more people decide to speak out.
True, but sadly again, conditions will deteriorate very soon. Consumer prices and inflation.
Trump is a never-ending gift to cartoonists. One of the few positive things about him.
Aix Marseille University is already offering funding to some American scientists who have lost theirs here. It wouldn’t surprise me if the trend escalates. According to a recent survey, three-quarters of US scientists are considering leaving the country. Trump is blowing the country’s brains out.
Céline Dion has done some good music, but I’m not sure why she would be called upon to defend Canada.
I’m familiar with the controversies referenced by these, but I’m not sure how true that would be of Americans generally. European cartoonists, commentators, and elected officials seem to be following events in the US closely, but again, it’s hard to say how true that is of Europeans generally. My impression is that most of them don’t really understand the US very well — it’s not as bad as most Americans’ ignorance of the outside world, but unless you’ve spent some time in a place or studied it intensively, it’s hard to have a genuine feel for it.
That’s interesting about Aix. Makes me wish I had some connection to scientific research. Ha!
I took Coco’s cartoon to mean that our threatening neighbors to the north have much to fear, chief among them Celine Dion’s high notes. Guard your wine glasses.
My impression is that Europeans have a better understanding of US issues that affect them directly than Americans have of issues in general, whether they’re affected or not. Maybe a French reader will correct me but I suspect the war in Ukraine and the new tariffs are closely followed.
How amazing to have these reactions from France! Thank you so much!
I think it’s useful to get the perspective of foreign countries. I was recently speaking to a German friend who lives in Mexico and teaches German online to people from all over the world. I was telling her some of the crazy conspiracy theories that are widely accepted in the United States. She was baffled. “If such stories were true,” she commented, “they’d be front page news all over the world!” I’d not thought of this obvious counterpoint but it certainly rings true.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry… these cartoons really capture the nightmare we are living. Terrific blog, Carol. 🙂
Merci de partager. Mon préféré est celui sur l’annexion ratée
J’aime aussi beaucoup!