Happy Friday, Chicago.

Today’s opinion page offers sharp takes on art, politics and housing.

First up, many Democrats were dismayed when comedian and fellow Democrat Bill Maher dined with President Donald Trump. Jonathan Zimmerman, a liberal professor at the University of Pennsylvania, argues that canceling Maher and others over Trump encounters won’t win Democratic votes — it’ll drive moderates straight into MAGA’s arms.

What explains a U.S. foreign policy that punishes allies, rewards aggressors and mirrors the Kremlin’s playbook? Columnist Elizabeth Shackelford explores the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine, trade and global democracy. Her chilling question: Is America unwittingly doing Putin’s bidding — or doing it on purpose?

In another opinion piece, Northwestern art history professor Rebecca Zorach takes aim at Trump’s “National Garden of American Heroes,” calling it a top-down exercise in political propaganda that echoes fascist aesthetics while diverting vital arts funding. True art, she argues, challenges power — it doesn’t glorify it.

The editorial board also weighs in on two pressing housing challenges Chicagoans face.

The board points out the obvious: Security deposits are fairer than move-in fees. The editorial board explains how strict rules around security deposits pushed landlords to adopt nonrefundable move-in fees — and why the city should rethink its approach to restore fairness for both sides.

Finally, Chicago officials say they want more housing — but a massive apartment project with 490 affordable units has been stalled for nearly a year. The editorial board asks why City Hall is letting union politics block progress and urges Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen to act.

Be sure to check out our reader letters — and enjoy your weekend.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

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