A political cartoon published by The Buffalo News is drawing intense backlash after appearing to mock victims of the catastrophic flash floods in Texas, where at least 82 people have died and many remain missing.
The controversial cartoon, created by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Adam Zyglis, depicts a man in a red MAGA hat submerged in floodwaters in Kerr County, Texas, holding a sign that reads “HELP.” A speech bubble shows him saying, “Gov’t is the problem not the solution,” while text at the top of the image reads “Swept Away…”
The caption accompanying the cartoon noted the scale of the disaster: “Historic flash floods have struck Southern Texas, with at least 82 deaths and dozens more missing.”
Zyglis later appeared to explain the cartoon’s message in an Instagram post, writing: “Tomorrow’s lines… that argument’s gone in a flash,” suggesting the cartoon was intended to critique small-government rhetoric often associated with Trump supporters. Hashtags in the post included #maga, #noaa, #nationalweatherservice, and #cuts.
But critics quickly condemned the cartoon as deeply insensitive and politically exploitative.
“@TheBuffaloNews ran a cartoon mocking Texas families who lost loved ones in a tragedy, just because they might’ve voted Republican,” wrote Erie County GOP Chairman Michael Kracker on X. “Twisted, vile, and shameful. They owe those families an apology and should pull this filth immediately.”
The popular conservative account Libs of TikTok called the cartoon a “DISGRACE,” accusing Zyglis of using the deaths of flood victims to score political points against Trump supporters.
“Cartoonist working for The Buffalo News sparks outrage for his cartoon depicting drowning Texas flood victim wearing a MAGA hat,” reported author Oli London, adding that Zyglis’ image was posted to the paper’s website with the words “Swept Away…”
Criticism Extends to Broader Politicization of Disaster
Zyglis wasn’t the only one under fire. Several Democratic figures and liberal commentators have also faced accusations of politicizing the tragedy, blaming the Trump administration or right-wing climate denial for the scale of the flooding—despite reports that the National Weather Service had fully staffed the local office and issued a flood watch well in advance.
White House press secretary Abigail Jackson rebuked those narratives during a Monday interview with Fox News Digital.
“It’s shameful and disgusting that in the wake of tragedy, the left’s first instinct is to lie and politicize a disaster to target their political opponents,” Jackson said. “False claims about the NWS have been repeatedly debunked by meteorologists, experts, and public reporting.”
“The Trump administration is grateful to the first responders who sprang into action to save lives during this catastrophe and will continue to support the great state of Texas in its recovery efforts.”
No Response from Buffalo News or Zyglis
As outrage spread on social media, The Buffalo News and Adam Zyglis did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment by publication time.
The tragedy in Texas continues to unfold, with recovery operations underway and thousands affected. But as the community grapples with loss, critics say the cartoon crosses a line—and puts politics ahead of compassion.
