Jacobin Radio Behind the News: Trump’s Dubious Gaza Scheme w/ Mouin Rabbani
Oct 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, art crime expert Erin Thompson critiques the political implications of public monuments, especially in light of Trump's move to restore Confederate statues. Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani unpacks Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, revealing its lack of political solution for Palestinians and the troubling influence from figures like Jared Kushner and Tony Blair. Lastly, journalism professor Ted Hamm shines a light on Zoran Mamdani’s progressive mayoral campaign, emphasizing his proposals for rent freezes and community safety reforms.
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Borglum's Klan Ties And Mount Rushmore Origin
- Gutzon Borglum joined and later was fired by Klan-run Stone Mountain project before carving Mount Rushmore.
- Thompson recounts Borglum's troubled past, his models' destruction, and his unfinished grand plans for Mount Rushmore.
Plaques Rarely Defuse Monument Power
- 'Retain and explain' plaques rarely change visitors' honorific reactions to monuments.
- Thompson notes people ignore or reinterpret dissonant historical context on-site.
Counter Federal Encouragement Quickly
- Expect federal signals to empower local conservative pushbacks on history and museums.
- Thompson suggests activists must document and contest local moves quickly before funding and lawsuits change outcomes.
