Brett Cooper: Online Commentator and Media Personality
Brett Cooper, a 24-year-old YouTube host, operates "The Brett Cooper Show," providing reactions to news events, primarily from a conservative perspective. Approximately one-third of Americans obtain news from YouTube, a platform where Cooper has established a following. Her content has included both positive and critical commentary regarding former President Trump and a public exchange with Texas Senator Ted Cruz concerning the activist Nick Fuentes.
Cooper is part of a growing group of online personalities who offer interpretations of current events to their audiences. Her public profile began as a UCLA student during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where she voiced criticisms. She later joined the Daily Wire, a conservative news organization, before launching her independent show in January.
Approach to Content and Audience Engagement
Cooper describes her role as engaging with people rather than functioning as a traditional newscaster. She states that viewers are primarily drawn to her personality rather than solely her ideological stance. Her show covers both political news and broader lifestyle topics, such as Justin Bieber and Blake Lively.
Initially, her audience was predominantly male. Cooper has reported efforts to broaden her appeal to women by incorporating discussions about her personal life, including her engagement, wedding, and recent experiences as a parent.
Views on Traditionalism
Cooper defines her views on family as "more traditional." She distinguishes this from the "tradwife" aesthetic prevalent online, which she characterizes as a trend focused on superficial appearances like sun dresses and baking rather than genuine values.
Political Commentary and Disagreements
Cooper has expressed various viewpoints on political matters:
- She publicly disagreed with former President Trump's statement to Fox News, where he suggested the U.S. requires high-skilled immigrants due to a perceived lack of talent among Americans. Cooper described this as a significant concern shared by her audience.
- She also criticized Trump's assertion that consumer concerns regarding high prices were a "Democratic hoax."
- Conversely, Cooper commended Trump's proposal for increased restrictions on Afghan refugees and other immigrant groups, stating on her show that "both illegal and legal immigration are absolutely in fact overrunning our country."
Stance on Nick Fuentes Discussion
Cooper engaged in an online discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, who had labeled activist Nick Fuentes a "Nazi." Cooper argued against Cruz's use of this label.
In an NPR interview, she asserted Fuentes' right to speak and referenced "the Streisand effect," suggesting that public condemnation might inadvertently increase attention to him. When questioned about Fuentes' claim that "Jewish gangsters" control the country, Cooper responded, "Not really," while also expressing concerns about "the impact of Israel in our country." She clarified that she does not align with Fuentes on all views and did not perceive a need to condemn him directly.
Independent Perspective
Cooper stated that political figures have contacted her to gather insights into the perspectives of younger demographics. She expressed a desire to maintain independence from political influence, aiming to assure her audience that her opinions are her own and not dictated by external political figures.