TMI Show Ep 212: “Make Architecture Great Again?”

Here comes a new Trumpie acronym: MAGA, but the first A is for architecture! “The TMI Show” investigates President Trump’s latest executive order, mandating classical Greco-Roman architecture for federal buildings in Washington. Hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan dig into the White House’s push to “make federal architecture beautiful again,” emphasizing marble columns and austere designs akin to the Supreme Court. The order, prioritizing classical styles over modernist ones like Brutalism, sparks controversy among architects.

Preservationists argue MAGA 2.0 dismisses 20th-century designs. Critics warn of stifling innovation, while supporters claim it restores dignity to federal spaces.

Plus:

• Midterm Political Conventions: Trump suggests an extra GOP national convention before the 2026 midterms to highlight candidates, a novel move Democrats are also considering. Both parties face challenges, with Republicans defending slim majorities and Democrats reeling from internal splits.

• Bug Farm Boom: In Nesle, France, Innovafeed’s bug farm processes 10 billion maggots into sustainable protein for animal feed, recycling food waste. Despite its eco-promise, the unprofitable industry struggles with regulatory barriers and market acceptance.

• Food Date Labels: Confusing date labels like “sell by” or “use by” cause three billion pounds of food waste yearly in the U.S. Experts recommend common-sense gut checks over strict adherence, since only infant formula has standardized labels.

• Why Do Popular Shows Get Canceled?: Netflix’s The Waterfront, a crime drama, was canceled despite five weeks in the global top 10. Fans are frustrated as the show, with no firm conclusion, joins Netflix’s list of unfinished projects.