A Nova Scotian “rage room” is capitalizing on Canadians suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” by providing an outlet for their rage now in the form of angrily smashing portraits of the U.S. President.
Rage Room Halifax is cashing in on anti-American sentiments by selling portraits of Trump, X CEO Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance to destroy as part of their “smash the tariffs” promotion.
The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” was coined by Charles Krauthammer, a conservative political columnist and psychiatrist, who also came up with “Bush derangement syndrome” in 2003.
During Bush’s presidency, and in the fallout of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Osama Bin Laden-themed targets at U.S. shooting ranges became a popular method for Americans to vent their anger.
Fast forward two decades, and a “rage room” in Halifax, N.S. is exploiting the national mood on Trump’s tariffs.
When walking into the Halifax “rage room,” boxes can be seen on the floor filled with framed photos of Trump and his close allies.
The framed photos are there for patrons to smash with various weapons like sledgehammers and bats to deface the portraits.
“Fed up with the chaos? News cycle getting you down? We hear you—and we’ve got the perfect way to let it all out,” Rage Room Halifax wrote in an Instagram post.
Each session includes a free framed photo of Trump to break with a hammer of your choosing.
For an extra $5, participants can also smash one of those framed photos of Elon Musk or J.D. Vance. According to the business, all proceeds will go to Feed Nova Scotia—a local food bank.
Anger against U.S. President Trump culminated in two failed assassination attempts during his 2024 election campaign — but that hasn’t stopped Canadian media from egging on the anger.
“Some might call it a ‘smashing good time,’” said a Global News reporter while covering the “smash the tariffs rage room” event.