In Halifax, a rage room is offering Canadians a unique way to blow off steam amid the tense political climate between Canada and the U.S. This rage room is providing customers with framed photos of U.S. President Donald Trump to smash, along with other items related to the tariff war. The event, called “smash the tariffs,” includes a free framed photo of Trump for customers to break, as well as discounts on additional items for smashing. For an extra $5, customers can also smash portraits of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Elon Musk. All proceeds from this event will go to Feed Nova Scotia.
The owner and CEO of Rage Room Halifax, Terry LeBlanc, came up with the idea for the event as a response to the chaos and frustration in the world today. Despite not being politically inclined, LeBlanc felt that the photos were necessary in light of current events. Rage rooms offer a safe space for people to release pent-up energy by breaking electronics and household items. This particular event is a response to the widespread frustration caused by Trump’s tariff threats and comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. LeBlanc mentioned that the rage room is primarily for entertainment, but if customers find stress relief through the experience, that is an added bonus.
The portraits that are being smashed at the rage room have been donated by Quinprint, a small business in Halifax that specializes in printing. The photos are printed on Canadian paper. The owner of Quinprint, Scott Gillard, expressed concern about the impact of Trump’s proposed levies on his business and his customers. He noted that many individuals are feeling the financial strain of these tariffs, particularly those who can least afford it. Despite these concerns, customers at the rage room are enjoying the new theme and finding it to be a therapeutic way to release frustration.
Customers like Meghan DellaValle shared their positive experiences at the rage room, describing the activity as freeing and therapeutic. DellaValle mentioned that she and her son found it to be a safe and fun way to release stress and frustration. Another customer, James Murdoch, also had a positive experience, mentioning that he plans on returning to the rage room soon. Murdoch even kept a damaged photo of Trump as a souvenir. Overall, customers seem to appreciate the opportunity to release pent-up energy in a safe and enjoyable way at the rage room. The event has garnered attention and positive feedback from those who have participated.
