On September 4, 2026, The Sun published what can only technically be called an “illustration” it intended its readers to accept as an editorial cartoon. Whatever the intent, the only message The Sun actually delivered was that it has finally and completely surrendered any remaining claim it may have had to journalistic legitimacy and its former place among the nation’s important newspapers. We are advised this is not their first use of AI for creative content.
The illustration in question was not drawn by an artist or even a human being. It was Artificial Intelligence slop, generated in response to juvenile and uninformed prompts. The result was unsurprisingly uninteresting and an insult to journalism, art, and The Sun’s readers.
The Sun is not alone among American newspapers taking this degrading way out. But it distinguishes itself because for many years it published the work of one of our nation’s premier political cartoonists Kevin Kallaugher (better known as KAL), a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and internationally acclaimed artist. KAL was let go by The Sun in what was called a “cost cutting” move. KAL is a long-time member and emeritus of the AAEC.
The AAEC condemns the use of AI for its theft from artists, its misuse of our planet’s resources, and its threat to original, creative thought. The Road to Hell — an America that has outsourced its most important human work — is paved with cost-cutting moves. This slop published by The Sun might as well be a signpost, pointing the way for publications like the Sun to certain irrelevance and then demise.
We urge The Sun to reverse course and take the lead in rejecting the use of AI for editorial cartoons and other creative content for both practical and moral reasons. If so, it can begin to reclaim its place as a leader in American journalism.
Marc Murphy
President
Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
