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