Barry Blitt’s Inauguration Day in The New Yorker

I greatly admire Barry Blitt’s satirical illustrations, especially his recent portrayal of the upcoming Inauguration Day in The New Yorker. His work hits the nail on the head, capturing the absurdity of contemporary politics with uncanny precision. One can’t help but wonder about Elon Musk’s sense of humor in this context. Given his prominent public persona and recent interactions with Donald Trump, it seems likely that the so-called “bromance” between Musk and Trump will eventually unravel. Blitt’s cover brilliantly captures this dynamic, relegating Trump to the background with just a dash of yellow hair and a sliver of red tie. As Blitt aptly puts it, “On January 20, 2025, the next leader of the United States—and the free world—assumes power. Also on that day: Donald Trump is sworn in.” His satire deftly highlights the ongoing political spectacle, leaving readers both amused and contemplative.

In contrast, Ann Telnaes, the award-winning political cartoonist for The Washington Post, announced her resignation after one of her cartoons was rejected. The cartoon depicted the newspaper’s billionaire owner groveling before Donald Trump, a portrayal that stirred controversy and ultimately led to its dismissal. This incident underscores a familiar pattern in political satire: the discomfort powerful figures often exhibit when faced with criticism, especially in the form of humor. Satirical depictions that cast them in an unflattering light are frequently met with resistance, revealing a persistent intolerance among the influential.

Reflecting on this brings back memories from my childhood, specifically in third grade, when I first stumbled upon the precarious intersection of humor and authority. I created a gag panel lampooning the school bully, who reminded me of Moose from the Archie comics—a burly, intimidating figure. However, unlike Moose, this bully lacked both reading skills and a sense of humor. His response to my attempt at humor was far from amused; he let his fists do the talking, teaching me an early lesson about the risks of satirizing those in power. I often wonder what became of him. I guess that he ended up in some authoritative role where his temperament might still be in play.