Trump’s Arabian Nights: Gifts Over Rights

Wednesday May 14, 2025

Just as the new American (Peruvian) Pope was championing free speech and calling for the release of jailed journalists, President Trump was off visiting his "special friends" in Arabia. Back with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the same MBS who the CIA said ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump once bragged about protecting MBS from Congress—a move that would normally sink a politician, but not him.

Editorial Cartoon from October 19, 2018…

President Trump, despite expressing concern over missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stated that Saudi investments in the U.S. should not be halted, arguing that such actions would simply redirect Saudi funds to Russia and China. (2018-10-19)

Back to 2025, Trump was again mingling with Arabian royalty in a setting that felt like stepping back in time, where grandeur and power ruled. Human rights? Not a word mentioned. And that Qatari jumbo jet gifted to Trump? It fits right in with this display, like a flashy tribute to keep the powerful happy.

Here in Canada, we're left questioning our place in this new landscape. Not long ago, we stood united with our allies in the fight against terrorism, combating a deadly insurgency rooted in the very country where Trump now finds solace—a nation linked to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We've relied on the U.S. for security and trade, but now it appears that Trump's priorities lie more with addressing supply chain issues affecting North American cars than confronting genuine threats.

Editorial Cartoon from August 10, 2018…

During a dispute sparked by then Prime Minister/boy scout Justin Trudeau's criticism of Saudi Arabia's arrests of women's rights activists, Canada's allies, such as the U.S. and U.K., chose to remain silent. This silence was likely influenced by economic interests and concerns over being excluded from profitable Saudi deals. (2018-08-10)

With sanctions lifted on countries like Syria, despite their ties to terrorism, it feels like the rules have changed. As Trump cozies up to tyrants and accepts eyebrow-raising gifts, it’s hard not to feel like Canada’s been sidelined, questioning what this means for our relationship with the U.S.

Substack is an invaluable platform for me, especially given the uncertainties that come with being a staff editorial cartoonist. While I remain optimistic about my future, I am acutely aware of the unfortunate layoffs and newspaper closures that have impacted many talented colleagues in our field. Please Enjoy the animated making of my May 15, 2025 editorial cartoon below and thank you for your continued support!