The New Yorker has taken aim at Donald Trump and his administration with a new UFC-themed front page. The cover, titled "Out Cold" and created by longtime cartoonist Barry Blitt, imagines Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio fighting inside an octagon on the South Lawn of the White House.
The Controversial UFC Event
The illustration references Trump's controversial UFC fight card scheduled for June 14, which coincides with his 80th birthday and is part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The event has drawn criticism for being held at the White House.
Cartoon Details
Blitt's artwork shows Vance kicking Rubio in the face while Rubio lands a punch of his own. Cartoon stars circle their heads to indicate they have been hit, an apparent commentary on speculation that the two are competing to inherit Trump's political movement.
Watching from ringside is Trump, depicted fast asleep with floating "Zzzzs," referencing his well-documented habit of nodding off in public.
Artist's Explanation
Explaining the cover, Blitt said: "There's been plenty of astonishment regarding the clash being held there. But, at such a contentious time as this, maybe it makes sense—in a distasteful, repellent, disgraceful, atrocious way."
