In Trump: The Art of the Insult, filmmaker Joel Gilbert takes an in-depth look at how Donald Trump rose to political power by utilizing his skills as a masterful communicator who knows how to make headlines. Gilbert places an emphasis on Trump's use of insult comedy in his speeches and interviews, which allowed him to effectively brand and attack his political opponents while simultaneously energizing his base.
The documentary also explores how Trump took on the mainstream media, particularly CNN, MSNBC, and the New York Times, and transformed them into his own personal "fake news" machine. Gilbert argues that Trump recognized the role the media played in shaping public opinion and used their power against them by controlling the narrative through social media and his rallies.
The film features interviews with political consultants, reporters, and other experts who dissect Trump's unique approach to politics and how it upended traditional campaign tactics. Gilbert also includes scenes from various rallies and speeches where Trump uses insult comedy to devastating effect, showcasing how he became a political force to be reckoned with by appealing to his supporters' anger and frustration.
Overall, Trump: The Art of the Insult offers a captivating look at how Trump used his unconventional communication style to become the 45th President of the United States.