Veteran editorial cartoonist Pat Bagley has released a new piece titled “Waste, Fraud and Abuse,” continuing his decades-long tradition of sharp political commentary that challenges Utahns to take a closer look at government accountability.
Bagley’s newest work appears in The Salt Lake Tribune, where he has been a fixture for more than 45 years. Known for blending humor, critique, and pointed civic observation, Bagley has drawn more than 6,000 cartoons since he joined the newsroom shortly after graduating from Brigham Young University in 1978.
His work often comments on state and national politics, public spending, and policy decisions, and this latest cartoon continues that pattern—drawing attention to concerns over how public funds are managed and overseen.
A Long Career in Political Commentary
Bagley is one of the last remaining full-time editorial cartoonists employed at a major U.S. newspaper. He has been recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and his cartoons have appeared in national and international outlets, including:
- The Washington Post
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Guardian
- Los Angeles Times
His syndicated work runs in more than 450 U.S. newspapers.
Roots and Influence
Born in Utah and raised in California, Bagley has long used his personal connection to the state and its cultural landscape to inform his art. A former missionary in Bolivia and past member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bagley’s cartoons often reference political and religious identity in Utah. In 2009, he publicly stated that he no longer identified with the church institutionally, though he maintains personal ties to its culture and community.
Public Impact
Bagley’s cartoons frequently spark conversation, debate, and reflection among Utah residents across the political spectrum. His latest piece is expected to add new fuel to ongoing discussions about government transparency and fiscal responsibility at both state and federal levels.
