To tie together the package, we were lucky enough to have the Cuban American political illustrator Edel Rodriguez—well-known for his work throughout the years for Time, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and elsewhere—grace us with his vision of the LA resistance. This week, I wrote to Rodriguez to ask him about his inspiration, his connection to LA, and The Nation’s January cover. Thanks for reading—and looking at—our January issue.

-Alana Pockros

Associate Editor, The Nation

Edel Rodriguez: I watched much of the news and social media [blasts] that came out from the Los Angeles protests. LA Taco is a great source. Their on-the-ground coverage is excellent. When the cover assignment and headline arrived from Robert Best, The Nation’s art director, I was prepared and excited to contribute several sketches and ideas.  This composition felt like it had the right kind of energy.

AP: Many people recognize you for your iconic faceless illustrations of Donald Trump. How do you see that work in relation to what you’ve done for our LA issue?

ER: Most of the work I make is direct and to the point. I began making the Trump illustrations back in 2016, when he was not taken very seriously as a candidate. People didn’t believe he would do the things he’s doing now. What’s happening in LA and other American cities is the kind of thing I was warning [people] about nine years ago.

AP: What do you hope readers take away from this cover, which prominently features protesters?

ER: That we should speak loudly and stand up for those who can’t do so for themselves.

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