5 hilariously pointed cartoons about the government shutdown blame game

Artists take on finger guns, pants on fire, and more

This cartoon is titled “The Duelists.” It depicts a donkey on the left and and elephant on the right walking away from each other with their fingers raised, as if they are about to duel. A man in the middle represents government employees and reads from a piece of paper titled “Shutdown rules.” He says, “Sigh. Brandish fingers, proceed 10 paces, turn, and commence blaming.”

(Image credit: John Cole / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

This cartoon depicts an elephant with its pants on fire. He says, "Democrats shut down the government to give non-citizens free health care."

(Image credit: Bruce Plante / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up