5 drawn-out cartoons about the ongoing government shutdown

Artists take on government employee cosplay, which side blinks first, and more

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This cartoon is set outside the House of Representatives building where a sign that reads “Government Shutdown” is nearby on a stanchion. A group of four trick-or-treaters is checking out their candy haul. Three have lots of candy and are dressed as a Minion, a witch, and a ghost with a MAGA hat. The fourth is in a raincoat, tie, and carries a briefcase. He has no candy and the Minion says, “Maybe your federal government employee costume was a mistake?”

(Image credit: R.J. Matson / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

This cartoon is titled “playing chicken.” It depicts a car with a license plate labeled “DEMS” about to crash into a cliff labeled “Government shutdown.” The driver says, “Don’t worry, they’ll blink first.” The passenger says, “That’s a wall.”

(Image credit: Michael Ramirez / Copyright 2025 Creators Syndicate)

This cartoon is set outside in a ruined, dystopian landscape next to a ruined federal government building. Two men speak and one says to the other, “You know, I can’t remember who won the shutdown battle either…”

(Image credit: Paul Duginski / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

This editorial cartoon is titled “Shutdown Day 30: Take your child to work day because working without pay meant firing the babysitter.” It depicts an air traffic control tower where three adults work to land planes while their kids stand nearby.

(Image credit: Bill Bramhall / Copyright 2025 Tribune Content Agency)

This editorial cartoon takes place on Halloween outside a house with “Government” written on the mailbox. Four kids in costumes glumly look in their bag, which is labeled “Government Workers.” One says, “I got a rock.” The witch responds, “Same” and a ghost says “Me too.”

(Image credit: Dave Whamond / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

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