Political YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen took aim at Donald Trump in a scathing commentary after Trump complained about flags potentially being flown at half-staff during his inauguration. The flags, lowered to honor former President Jimmy Carter after his passing, became the latest subject of Trump’s ire, which Cohen described as “typical self-centeredness.”
Following the announcement of Carter’s death, it was confirmed that flags across the United States would remain at half-staff for 30 days—a tradition for former presidents. However, Trump turned the solemn event into a personal grievance, taking to Truth Social to vent. In his post, Trump wrote:
“The rats are all giddy about our magnificent American flag potentially being at half-mast during my inauguration… They only think about themselves, look at what they’ve done to our once Great America over the past four years. It’s a total mess.”
Cohen criticized Trump’s response, saying it demonstrated his inability to focus on anything beyond himself. “Jimmy Carter’s passing has literally nothing to do with Donald Trump, but somehow, here he is, making it all about him,” Cohen said. “It’s a tradition to lower the flags to honor presidents who pass away, but Trump can’t even let that slide without throwing a tantrum.”
Brian Tyler Cohen contrasted Carter’s humility and lifelong service with Trump’s pattern of self-pity. He highlighted an interview where Carter, reflecting on his life, described his marriage to Rosalynn as his greatest achievement and spoke warmly about teaching Sunday school in his small-town church.
“Jimmy Carter had more class on any random Tuesday than Trump will ever show on his best day,” Cohen said. “Carter dedicated his life to service and humility, while Trump can’t even handle a flag being lowered without feeling personally attacked.”
Cohen also pointed out that this isn’t the first time Trump has caused controversy over flag protocol. In 2018, after Senator John McCain’s death, Trump faced backlash for raising the White House flag to full-staff just two days later, breaking tradition. Veterans groups, Republicans, and Democrats alike criticized him for the move, which he later reversed after public pressure. Trump reportedly complained afterward that he didn’t receive a thank-you for allowing McCain to have the funeral he wanted.
“Trump’s loyalty is always a one-way street,” Cohen added. “If you don’t grovel at his feet, he’ll disrespect you, even in death. That’s why he can’t handle honoring someone like Carter, who never bowed to him.”
Cohen didn’t stop at the flag controversy. He addressed Trump’s claims that Democrats ruined America over the last four years, reminding viewers of the economic gains under Democratic leadership compared to the chaos Trump left behind.
“Trump talks about the ‘mess’ of the last four years, but let’s not forget what Democrats accomplished,” Cohen said. He outlined successes like creating 16 million jobs, reducing unemployment to a 50-year low, and passing historic legislation, including infrastructure investments, capping insulin costs, and protecting veterans’ benefits.
Cohen contrasted these achievements with Trump’s record, saying, “Trump promised infrastructure, but it was Democrats who delivered. Trump promised a manufacturing boom, but it was Democrats who made it happen. Trump left office with an economy in shambles—3 million jobs lost, unemployment at 6.3%, and the economy contracting. Democrats cleaned it up.”
Cohen wrapped up his critique by emphasizing Trump’s insecurity. “Imagine being so fragile that even after winning the presidency again, you’re still whining about a flag being at half-staff. Isn’t he supposed to be the tough guy? Instead, he’s throwing tantrums like a middle-schooler.”
He added, “Jimmy Carter represented everything Trump is not—humble, selfless, and dedicated to others. If Trump spent even a fraction of his time focusing on America instead of himself, maybe he wouldn’t feel so threatened by a simple tradition honoring a great man.”
Cohen’s video has gained traction, sparking conversations about Trump’s behavior and Carter’s enduring legacy. While Trump remains focused on his grievances, Carter’s life and humility continue to inspire respect across the political spectrum.