For over a decade, Ben Shapiro, a far-right media personality, has managed to stir irritation among Democrats while existing on the fringes of political relevance. While his influence in shaping significant policies may be limited, his vexing hot takes and overtly bigoted viewpoints contribute to the fostering of fear, prejudice, and division—factors that have played a role in the surge of extremism in the United States. Though Shapiro is not a linchpin of the far-right agenda, he harbors aspirations to elevate his standing within it.
In the realm of American politics, Shapiro is just one of many who echo talking points to garner attention and vie for the title of the most controversial and disliked content creator. Brett Cooper, a rising figure in the conservative sphere, has emerged as a familiar presence in this landscape. Despite lacking a familial connection in name with the Daily Wire co-founder, Cooper shares similarities in appearance, with brown hair, an average look, and a penchant for manipulating facts to fit a narrative.
Brett Cooper, distinguishable by her youth, gender, and an attempt to exude “hipness” through her live-streamed show, “The Comments Section,” is positioned as a new face for the conservative movement. With an aim to appeal to a Gen-Z audience, her channel adheres to classic right-wing content, discussing topics akin to those prevalent at Daily Wire. While she may resemble Shapiro in some aspects, the two are not connected by blood; Cooper’s association with the Shapiro family is nonexistent.
Despite the lack of a direct family tie, Cooper collaborates with Ben Shapiro. Joining the Daily Wire in early 2022, she has been fervently regurgitating contentious talking points, seeking clicks and support from the increasingly Trumpian right. While Cooper has yet to attain the heights of past conservative figures like Tomi Lahren or Kaitlin Bennett, who initially presented the fresh-faced image the right desired, her trajectory appears similar. Propped up as a young and “relatable” puppet, Cooper’s popularity may be fleeting, contingent on her ability to serve the purpose dictated by the conservative narrative.
