As Donald Trump gets set for his inauguration (announced just today that it’s to move indoors due to… get this… a blast of cold Arctic air coming in from Canada on January 20, ironically,) there’s a growing sense of unease, particularly from a Canadian perspective. The promises of a "new golden age" seem to shine brightest for the privileged elite, leaving many of us across the border concerned about the widening gap between the ultra-rich and the rest of society.

Trump’s tax cuts appear poised to further enrich billionaires, exacerbating income inequality and leaving social justice, human rights, and environmental advocates bracing for challenging times ahead. His aggressive stance on immigration, with plans for mass deportations, threatens to bring misery to undocumented migrants in the United States, while his approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, could destabilize global peace efforts.

For us Canadians, the looming 25% tariffs on imports are especially troubling. These tariffs not only risk economic strain and job losses in Canada but also hint at a broader trend of isolationism and protectionism that could strain our historically close relationship with the United States.

Under Trump's leadership, there is an unsettling convergence of political power and wealth, drawing parallels with oligarchies where influential oligarchs wield significant control over governance. This shift raises alarms about the future of democratic values, as the comforted will likely find more comfort, while the afflicted may face increased hardships. It’s a reality that many Americans seem content with, but for those of us looking in from the outside, there’s little to celebrate.

As Canadians, we value inclusivity, cooperation, and justice. The coming years may require us to reflect deeply on these principles and act to uphold them, not just within our own borders but in our interactions with the world. It’s going to be a challenging ride, but in adversity, there’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these values and work towards a more equitable future for all.

Please enjoy the January 18, 2025 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

Making of clip