Frank Bruni and Bret Stephens debate President Trump's latest architectural projects on The New York Times Opinion section. Bruni describes Trump's 250-foot triumphal arch as a 'cuckoo project' that would house drones and snipers, comparing it to the architectural style of Albert Speer. Stephens agrees the structure is unlikely to be built but contrasts it with the new ballroom being constructed on White House grounds.

The discussion turns to Trump's tendency to dismantle established institutions, with Bruni arguing Trump is a 'destroyer' rather than a builder, creating monuments as 'middle fingers to what came before.' Stephens invokes Sigmund Freud, suggesting Trump has an 'edifice complex' rather than a traditional Oedipus complex. The conversation explores Trump's relationship with the media, particularly his expulsion of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House press corps. Bruni notes that journalists have become 'his preferred demons' and 'go-to foes.' The piece concludes with discussion of networks' recent decision not to send cameras to White House events excluding those outlets, which could 'drive him (even more) bananas.' Bruni suggests that without media attention, 'he wilts,' highlighting attention as the commodity Trump 'covets and relishes more than gold, more than oil, more than monuments.'.