A patriotic artist has presented a striking painting of President Trump and the current border crisis facing the United States.
Utah artist Jon McNaughton posted the painting on Twitter on March 6. The painting depicts Trump standing and looking down while other former politicians and current members of Congress step on a dirty, worn, and trampled American flag and holding up the flags of other interests.
My new painting – “National Emergency”
“They hold the flags they cherish…
And trample America’s interests…
And endanger millions of people…
It is a national emergency.” – Jon McNaughton
For a list of figures standing on the flag: https://t.co/seFYh2IXWV pic.twitter.com/YKRK6oRQuy— Jon McNaughton (@McNaughtonArt) March 6, 2019
The painting includes Bernie Sanders holding a flag of the Chinese Communist Party, Barack Obama holding a United Nations flag, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) holding a flag of Palestine, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton holding an Iranian flag, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) holding a Mexican flag together, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) holding a flag of the European Union, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) holding a Californian flag, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) holding a flag of New York. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) can also be seen toward the back of the group.
In the background, a caravan of migrants approaches holding flags of Central American countries. Trump is looking at a doll, which could symbolize the many children that are sent on the dangerous journey by family members, and Trump’s concern for them. Trump’s posture also appears to be of someone in prayer as he looks at the doll.
McNaughton calls this painting “National Emergency,” and explained its meaning in a video he posted to Twitter.
“I did this as an allegory to what’s happening on our southern border with Mexico.”
He further explained the meaning of the various flags in the hands of the former and current politicians.
“They’re holding the different flags that represent the countries that they are more aligned with in terms of protecting their interests, but not the American people’s interest.”
He said that this painting shows a scene taking place at the U.S.-Mexico border, adding that he hopes it expresses the severity of the current situation there, and who is at fault.
“I don’t blame the immigrants,” he said. “I blame those in Washington that are trying to stop President Trump from doing the right thing—to protect the American people.”
McNaughton posted an image of the painting to Facebook on March 6. It already has over 20,000 shares and over 1,000 comments.
Other Paintings
Another painting by McNaughton depicts President Trump on the field in a football stadium, wiping the mud from an American flag. The painting is an obvious criticism of the trend of football players protesting during the national anthem before games.
In my painting, “Respect the Flag,” Trump wipes the mud from the tattered and trampled American Flag. They have the…
Posted by Jon McNaughton on Wednesday, 31 October 2018
Another painting is critical of President Obama. In the painting, he appears to be throwing money into the air, as foreign dignitaries applaud behind him. Most of the others, who seem to represent the voting public, appear to be unknowingly in chains as they grasp the money or pick it up off the ground. One person, however, is busy attempting to saw the chains off while others look at him in disbelief.
Politics can be dirty, but the Democrats in some parts of the country have the balloting down to a science. #BrowardCountryElectionFraud #BrendaSnipes #Florida
Posted by Jon McNaughton on Monday, 12 November 2018
McNaughton described the kinds of reactions his work usually brings, via his website.
“There are three kinds of people who view my paintings: Those who like it, those who hate it, and those who simply don’t understand. I am especially interested in this last category. I hope my work will create conversation and reach people on a deeper level. I like to use metaphor and multiple levels of meaning to reach my viewer. If it makes them think and feel, then it is successful.”
