Trick or Trump: The New Yorker gives POTUS the Halloween treatment

Just in time for Halloween, The New Yorker is out with a playful trick-or-treat-themed cover—with a political edge. The work of illustrator Mark Ulriksen, a longtime contributor to the magazine, it shows President Donald Trump striking fear into the hearts of trick-or-treaters. Trump looks entirely self-satisfied as he totes two overstuffed jack-o'-lantern candy buckets—presumably a nod to Trump's documented personal treat-related priorities (see "Trump gets 2 scoops of ice cream, everyone else gets 1—and other top lines from his Time interview," via CNN in May 2017) and, well, his approach to fiscal policy ("The Trump Tax Cuts Did One Thing: Give Rich People More Money," per New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait last month).

In a brisk interview with Ulriksen conducted by New Yorker Art Editor Françoise Mouly, he mostly talks about his family Halloween traditions, but he does briefly address the political subtext of the Nov. 5 cover:

Mouly: Your previous Halloween covers have featured a haunted version of the Capitol and some colorful characters in Congress. We're sensing a theme.

Ulriksen: Yes, I somehow equate Washington politicians with scary monsters.