Well, you're just flat wrong. These programs are meant to develop a country's domestic tech and spaceflight capabilities, test new technology, look for potential resources on the moon, perform science experiments, etc. Increasing national standing may be an objective but it's not the main one because there are cheaper and more effective ways to make circuses than launching a lunar lander. I bet more people know about the relationship Travis Kelce and Taylor swift than are even aware that the US has a lander on the moon. The headlines about it will be gone by Monday unless it explodes or something.