Episode Details

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YKNDXS3NOY Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Sam Weaver and Ben Bayer discuss the significance of President Trump’s efforts to construct new government monuments and put his name and face on federal buildings and documents. Topics Include: Trump’s initiatives Why symbols matter Historical monument-building America’s distinctive history How Trump compares Relation to Trump’s policies Rand on monuments Trump’s pursuit of prestige Public response Resources: “The Monument Builders” in The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand “Don’t Let It Go” in Philosophy: Who Needs It by Ayn Rand “The Anti-Intellectuality of Donald Trump” by Onkar Ghate “One Small Step for Dictatorship” by Onkar Ghate This episode was recorded on May 8, 2026. Image credit: Kevin Dietsch / Staff / via Getty Images