Donald Trump: Dirtiest U.S. President Ever

Make Pollution Great Again | Friday February 14, 2025 | Newsletter 15

While everyone is suffering daily whiplash from the unpredictable actions of the attention-seeking U.S. President, who dictates what we should focus on, I chose this week to shine a light on his abysmal environmental record. Each day, I posted a past editorial cartoon featuring Donald Trump, highlighting his horrific efforts to turn back the clock on progress toward a better planet for future generations.

Throughout his first term, Donald Trump’s actions and policies consistently undermined efforts to protect the environment, setting a dangerous precedent for his potential return to the presidency. This week, we explored his abysmal record through a series of editorial cartoons from that period, illustrating his disregard for ecological integrity. The horrors unleashed during his first term foreshadow an even more troubling future, as there is no indication that his stewardship of the planet will improve.

Sunday: The Legacy of Plastic Pollution

“This is Your Life in Single Use Plastics” (April 24, 2018)

This cartoon highlights the long-lasting impact of plastic waste, showcasing how every piece of disposable plastic carries a story tied to human experiences. During his first term, Trump’s push to roll back environmental protections, including regulations on single-use plastics, exemplifies a neglect of sustainable practices. In one of his early executive orders of his second Presidency he triumphantly put to end perhaps the greatest among the most ridiculous first world problems: paper straws. It was met with roaring cheers within the planet’s greatest throw-away society. His prioritization of short-term political gains over environmental responsibility signals a troubling trend that jeopardizes future generations.

Monday: Make Coal Great Again

Trump: Polluter of the Skies (November 23, 2016)

In this cartoon, Trump is depicted as a giant figure overshadowing a polluted landscape, emphasizing his commitment to reviving the declining coal industry while Canada advanced in reducing carbon emissions. Throughout his first term, Trump rolled back critical environmental regulations to support fossil fuels. This focus on short-term economic interests, at the expense of climate change and public health, raises serious concerns about what awaits in his upcoming term.

Tuesday: Attacking the Great Lakes

Trump at the Great Lakes (March 8, 2017)

In this cartoon, Trump is shown dismantling the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a critical program for protecting one of the world’s largest freshwater resources. His proposed budget cuts of up to 97% during his first term endangered restoration efforts vital for millions. This negligence toward clean water initiatives highlights a persistent trend of environmental degradation, suggesting that his future policies may continue to disregard essential ecological stewardship.

Wednesday: Withdrawing from Global Climate Agreements

“America First, Planet Last” (June 2, 2017)

This imagery illustrates Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, depicting him as a direct threat to global climate efforts. His exit during his first term positioned the U.S. as an outlier, undermining international cooperation essential for combating climate change. The ramifications of this withdrawal continue to echo, and with Trump’s return to office, American multilateralism isn’t in the backseat as it was in Trump’s first term, it’s tied up and muzzled in the trunk. There is zero reason to believe he will prioritize global climate responsibility.

Thursday: Flaming Misinformation

Trump Surrounded by Wildfire and Misinformation (September 15, 2020)

In the midst of devastating wildfires during his first term, Trump dismissed climate change as a factor, attributing the crisis solely to mismanagement. This cartoon captures the chaos and denial surrounding his administration’s approach to environmental issues. By downplaying the role of climate change, Trump perpetuates misinformation that obstructs meaningful dialogue and action on pressing ecological challenges—a trend that’s already been on repeat in 2025 with the devastating fires in southern California and around Los Angeles.

Friday: America’s Conspiracy Theory President

Politicizing Natural Disasters (October 9, 2024)

This cartoon illustrates the absurdity of politicizing natural disasters, highlighting the dangerous rhetoric employed by Trump and others. As Hurricanes tore through Florida and into North Carolina in October 2024, the sight of politicians leveraging human suffering for their gain was a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from the ideals of public service. The portrayal suggests that as disasters arise, Trump may exploit them for political gain, rather than addressing the underlying environmental issues exacerbated by his policies. His actions to advance conspiracy theories reflect a broader pattern of misinformation and of neglect that not only impacts public trust in essential services but also threatens the planet’s future.

An unveiling… Drum Roll Please…

My hope is the editorial cartoons from this week highlight the environmental issues worsened by Donald Trump’s presidency. His focus on short-term economic gains continues to harm efforts to protect our planet. This has fuelled climate change skepticism, especially with support from figures like Canada’s Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, creating challenges for initiatives like the Liberal carbon pricing scheme. Although this scheme was designed to reduce emissions, it has faced pushback due to poor communication and relentless and simplistic political rhetoric.

Last year, to celebrate the 4th anniversary of my viral “waves” cartoon, I came up with two new wave concepts to follow the biodiversity collapse wave: a Zombie Apocalypse and an Alien Invasion. But then, along came Michael Solomon, director of London based Profit Through Ethics Ltd., who proposed a new idea for the fifth wave. With excitement, we unveil a new fifth wave for the fifth anniversary of the illustration.

Drumroll, please …Trump! A fitting representation of the political upheaval that threatens not just environmental protection but the planet in general. To the many skeptics out there, keep washing your hands, and all will be well….

The “Four Waves” cartoon illustrates the growing crises we face, culminating in this new wave of political turmoil. As we reflect on these issues, it’s vital to advocate for accountability and prioritize environmental care for future generations. With Trump currently in office, we need to stay alert to the threats posed to our environment. I hope this series serves as a reminder of the importance of being actively engaged in the fight for sustainable solutions for our planet.

Posted to MacKayCartoons.net

Thank you to everyone who continues to subscribe to this weekly newsletter! This extra edition is dedicated to my loyal subscribers beyond Ontario, as I focus on the upcoming 2025 provincial election. Typically, posts are released every Saturday morning, summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. I aim to avoid overwhelming subscribers with constant post notifications. Throughout the week, I share daily 'notes' on my Substack, which contribute to my weekly newsletters and feature animated versions of my daily cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free as long as I remain a staff editorial cartoonist. Thank you for your support!