5 hilariously pointed cartoons about the government shutdown blame game

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

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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.)

This cartoon depicts Donald Trump and an elephant in an old-fashioned gangster suit. They hold tommy-guns and have just shot Uncle Sam as a frightened donkey looks on. Trump says, “Now look what you made us do!”

(Image credit: Pat Bagley / Copyright 2025 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

This political cartoon depicts a man and woman with a baby stroller walking on the sidewalk outside a closed gate. A sign on the gate reads, "Closed due to federal government shutdown." The man says, "Hold it! If the government is closed, do we get a break on our taxes?!"

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

This political cartoon depicts Speaker of the House Mike Johnson relaxing in a hammock during the House recess and government shutdown. He has his heads behind his head, wears a tropical shirt, and smiles. There's a tropical drink nearby and the hammock hangs from two pillars labeled "Senate Democrats" and "Senate Republicans." Johnson says, "I don't see the two sides coming together anytime soon."

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

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