Episode Overview

Podcast: The Brett Cooper Show
Episode: The Art of Rage Bait by Donald Trump | Episode 103
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Brett Cooper

This episode dives into how the Trump administration’s use of social media “rage baiting”—provocative memes and videos designed to inflame and dominate public discourse—is shaping online culture and public opinion. Brett analyzes two current controversies involving Trump’s team: viral memes targeting singer Sabrina Carpenter and the beloved children’s character Franklin the Turtle. Through these examples, Brett questions whether these tactics are truly effective or if they're backfiring, and what that means for both political strategy and culture wars.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Trump Team’s “Art of Rage Bait”

• Main point: Trump’s social media strategy has evolved from just “the art of the deal” to expertly executing “the art of rage bait.”
  • “If you thought that Trump was just king of art of the deal, then no, you would be mistaken because he and his admin are now teaching us the art of rage bait. And it is pretty damn spectacular.” (01:00, Brett Cooper)
• Trump’s digital approach has only intensified since taking office, not scaled back.
  • “You might have assumed…things would be serious. It would get down to brass tacks. His team would chill out…But no, it has only gotten more outrageous.” (01:13)

2. Sabrina Carpenter Controversy (04:00–10:18)

• Background: The White House account posted a meme using Carpenter's song “Juno” to soundtrack a video referencing deportations, parodying the song’s lyrics about “trying new positions.”
• Brett describes and even sings the song’s part used in the meme.
  • “I know you want my D for life, my really bad singing. But basically that is what is happening in that song.” (03:30)
• Carpenter’s response: Outraged, she tweeted, “This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” Her post garnered 90 million impressions almost instantly.
• Brett’s reaction: Sympathetic to both sides, but points out Carpenter’s public comment only amplified Trump’s meme due to the “Streisand effect.”
  • “By responding with this viral comment, you have only brought more attention to their video and to this issue.” (05:55)
• White House clapback: The administration issues a statement filled with puns referencing Carpenter’s songs:
  • “We won't apologize for deporting dangerous criminal, illegal murderers, rapists and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid or is it slow?” (06:30, citing Daily Caller)
• Discussion of copyright and hypocrisy: Brett notes that Carpenter’s music is intentionally spread on social media for virality, so her objection is inconsistent.
  • “You can't really just cherry pick and copyright somebody that you don't like for using one of your songs…” (07:40)
• On Carpenter’s past “outrages”: Brett highlights Carpenter’s disregard for previous criticism (such as her controversial music video filmed in a Catholic church), suggesting she’s selective about what offends her.
  • “She was saying, kick rocks. I don't care. I'm going to film my music video where I want…” (08:55)

Notable Quote:
“Guys, by responding you are just handing the Trump team again, who we know are now meme lords, you are handing them content on a gold-plated Trump style platter.” — Brett Cooper (06:45)

3. Franklin the Turtle Meme War (10:18–19:20)

• Incident summary: Trump circles shared a meme where Franklin targets narco-terrorists, sparking outrage from the Canadian publisher.
  • “Pete Hegseth posted a meme using the children's book character Franklin the Turtle. And it was in response to the ongoing controversy…’Franklin targets narco terrorists.’” (10:50)
• The publisher issues a public condemnation:
  • “‘Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon…We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image…’” (12:10)
• Result: The meme explodes in popularity (“the Streisand effect”), with users posting increasingly absurd Franklin memes (e.g., Franklin as a DHS agent, guarding locker rooms, fighting drag queens).
  • “If there has ever been a lesson on the Streisand effect…this should be in the textbook definition.” (13:10)
• Brett critiques the overreaction as fueling the meme’s spread, reinforcing that outrage only “feeds the beast.”
  • “Somebody commented and said they should not have posted that Franklin memes are spreading like cockroaches. Like, I literally cannot keep up with how many there are.” (15:10)
• The theme: Virtue signaling vs. strategic silence.

Notable Quote:
“I mean, if there has ever been a lesson on the Streisand effect…this should be in the textbook definition.” — Brett Cooper (13:10)

4. The Cycle and Impact of Outrage (19:20–20:57)

• Are these rage bait tactics sustainable? Brett wonders if endless memes and online “wins” translate into real approval or policy success for Trump.
  • “I do wonder if this whole strategy, if the memes, if the videos are actually productive in the long run. Because yes, gets people talking…But I do feel like at some point this charade…could get old.” (19:40)
• Generational divide: Younger audiences may tire of the shtick and want tangible results, not just internet spats.
  • “Trump's approval rating is dropping, unfortunately, especially with young people. And I don't know if dank memes are really going to cut it at the end.” (20:10)
• Advice to the Trump team: Brett suggests mixing in substance with the spectacle.
  • “I want to see the day in the lives. I want to see how hard he works…show young people how these larger policies…will have an impact on their daily lives and…their grocery bills.” (20:19)

Notable Quote:
“I need a little less Kristi Noem and Cash Patel doing glamour shoots in their ICE at FBI jackets. Like, I want more videos showing us exactly what Trump is working on…dispelling rumors and showing young people…how he is making our economy better.” — Brett Cooper (20:21)

5. Broader Patterns (Throughout)

• Rage bait as a repeated playbook: Brett references the recurring genre of pop stars objecting to their songs’ use in Trump memes/videos (Olivia Rodrigo, etc.) and how attempts to censor only bring more attention.
• Brett admires (with caveats) the digital savvy of Trump’s “Gen Z interns” but is skeptical of lasting effects.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:00] – Introduction to the Trump team’s “rage bait” strategy
• [03:30] – Brett sings the Sabrina Carpenter song used in the meme
• [05:55] – Analysis of Sabrina Carpenter’s viral reaction and the Streisand effect
• [06:30] – White House response to Sabrina Carpenter (statement full of references)
• [10:18] – Introduction to the Franklin the Turtle meme wars
• [12:10] – Publisher’s condemnation statement
• [13:10] – Brett explains Streisand effect and the meme’s explosion
• [19:40] – Is rage bait sustainable or productive for Trump?
• [20:10] – Discussion of younger voters’ attitudes and approval ratings
• [20:19] – Brett’s advice for mixing substance in messaging
• [20:21] – Notable quote on needing more substantive content

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Guys, by responding you are just handing the Trump team again, who we know are now meme lords, you are handing them content on a gold-plated Trump style platter.” (06:45)
• “If there has ever been a lesson on the Streisand effect…this should be in the textbook definition.” (13:10)
• “I need a little less Kristi Noem and Cash Patel doing glamour shoots in their ICE at FBI jackets. Like, I want more videos showing us exactly what Trump is working on…” (20:21)

Conclusion & Takeaways

Brett Cooper provides both a sharp critique and a tongue-in-cheek appreciation for how the Trump administration harnesses internet culture through rage bait—provocative memes and viral videos—to outmaneuver critics and dominate conversation. However, she warns that while these tactics generate attention and redefine political communication, they may start to lose effectiveness, especially among younger voters increasingly seeking substance over spectacle. The episode ends with a call for more transparency and tangible examples of policy work to supplement the “mission impossible” meme montages.

For anyone navigating today’s meme-fueled political landscape, this episode is both a case study in modern media war and a meditation on when trolling stops working—and what should come next.