The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

RFK Jr.: Pedigreed Menace

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 982 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Figures Conspiracy Theories Public Health Political Campaigns
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is running for President and could potentially be used by the right to attack Joe Biden.
  2. Despite his troubled past, Kennedy's candidacy is gaining some support, particularly from conservatives and younger voters.
  3. Kennedy's controversial views and history may make him a disruptive and polarizing figure in the upcoming election.

A Tale of Two 4-Stars

CDR Salamander • 982 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Relations Leadership Strategic Planning National Security
  1. The People's Republic of China is strategically moving to become the premier world power.
  2. Admiral Charles A. Richard provides a fact-based, direct analysis of China's military capabilities and suggests proper responses.
  3. General Mark Milley's approach to discussing China's rise lacks clear analysis and consistency compared to Admiral Richard.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 491 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Economy Investigation Legislation Campaign Finance
  1. There were seven separate mass shooting incidents in the United States last week, resulting in seven deaths and 22 injuries.
  2. The US economy added 353,000 jobs in January 2024 despite facing the highest interest rates in two decades.
  3. Former President Trump's political fundraising group spent over $50 million on legal expenses last year due to numerous lawsuits and criminal charges.

The Alabama Department of Corrections Uses a Different Dictionary

The Medicine & Justice Project • 159 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Prison System Capital Punishment Legal issues Ethics
  1. Alabama's Department of Corrections uses language that can be misleading about executions
  2. There have been instances where Alabama's executions have gone wrong but were downplayed by officials
  3. The lack of transparency in Alabama's execution process raises concerns about accountability and the portrayal of executions
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Secession Is a Good Idea

Points And Figures • 1199 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Secession Elections Governance Political parties Democracy
  1. Counties should have the option to secede if they want to join a neighboring state. This can help people live under laws and tax systems that better match their beliefs.
  2. Secession could create competition between states, encouraging them to improve their policies. If people can move to a state with lower taxes and better regulations, states might change to keep their residents.
  3. Allowing counties to secede could disrupt how political parties gerrymander districts. If counties leave, it could change which party has more influence in elections.

Meet the Man Conspiracy Theorists Have Blamed for Texas’s Biblical Flood

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Climate Issues Public Safety Media influence Technology
  1. Augustus Doricko is a 25-year-old CEO of a cloud-seeding company called Rainmaker. He became a target of conspiracy theories after flooding hit Central Texas.
  2. The devastating floods were caused by weather patterns, not by Doricko's company's cloud seeding. Many people didn't want to believe this and looked for someone to blame.
  3. The area is vulnerable to flooding due to its hard clay soil and extreme weather. A recent storm added to the already risky conditions in Texas Hill Country.

Is the Supreme Court seriously going to disqualify Trump? (Redux)

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Supreme Court Election Insurrection Constitution
  1. Chances of the Supreme Court disqualifying Trump are low but improving, now estimated at around 20%.
  2. The conventional wisdom leans towards the Supreme Court reversing the Colorado Supreme Court's decision, considering factors like democratic norms and legal arguments.
  3. There is a small chance, about 15%, that the Supreme Court might affirm the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Trump, based on the quality of legal reasoning in the case.

Brian Cole: The DC Pipe Bomber

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Investigations Domestic Terrorism Political violence Criminal law
  1. A 30-year-old man, Brian Cole Jr., was arrested as the DC pipe-bomber suspect after investigators matched his purchases of bomb components and tools to items used in the devices and placed him near the RNC and DNC by cell-tower and vehicle records.
  2. The FBI says the arrest came from a fresh, careful review of existing evidence rather than a new tip, and some commentators have criticized earlier leadership for not identifying him sooner.
  3. Motives aren’t clear yet — investigators note possible anger over the family’s legal and financial troubles and some reported political/anarchist views — and officials are still searching his home and devices while asking whether he acted alone.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: New Frontiers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Media Culture Public Policy Technology
  1. A new app for The Free Press is now available, making it easier to access all their content. It's designed to be fast and user-friendly.
  2. The article discusses various important topics, including advances in genetics and social issues in Europe.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is encouraged, as it helps maintain the quality and breadth of investigative stories from The Free Press.

The Cooperative Competitor

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Partisanship Social Psychology Communication Civic engagement
  1. People can work together really well when they’re on the same team, but they also compete hard when they’re on opposing teams. This mix is unique to humans.
  2. Political discussions often reflect different views on oppression or civilization. Each side uses language to show belonging to their group while pushing against the other.
  3. Our politics seems too focused on competition right now, which hurts cooperation. We should try to use our words to listen and understand rather than just to pick a side.

Clapping for Stalin

The Watch • 1298 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dictatorship Totalitarianism Political History Political culture
  1. People often feel pressured to show support, even if they don't really believe in it. This can lead to a situation where everyone claps just to fit in.
  2. Some individuals may hesitate to stop applauding because of fear of consequences, showing how group dynamics can create a sense of obligation.
  3. In extreme situations, a single person's choice can change the entire group’s behavior, like stopping applause, which can reveal who is truly independent and who is not.

“UK Files” Exclusive, Part 2: The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) Told the IRS It Was A Charity. Documents Say Otherwise

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3820 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Disinformation Political speech Media Lobbying
  1. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) incorrectly claimed charity status with the IRS, raising questions about their truthfulness.
  2. The CCDH is known for pressuring companies to restrict certain content and promoting its own political agenda in the media space.
  3. The CCDH's ties to major-party politics and regulatory mix-ups suggest a complex background and operational strategy.

BREAKING NEWS: Adjudicated Rapist Donald Trump Defies Congress to Keep Investigative Files That Could Incriminate Him a Secret

Proof • 77 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Congress Judiciary Executive Corruption Media Law enforcement
  1. Donald Trump is accused of defying Congress to keep investigative files secret that could potentially incriminate him.
  2. The Epstein files and his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein are central to the controversy and are being framed as part of a larger political hoax.
  3. Epstein is described as a convicted child sex offender, and his crimes plus his friendship with Trump are presented as politically explosive and possibly incriminating.

Mountain Heritage

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 597 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Rural Progressive Religion Progressive politics
  1. Progressive politics can benefit rural, disadvantaged, and poor folks by providing access to necessities like healthcare, public schools, unions, and paved roads.
  2. Rural communities have a history of embracing progress and moving forward, even if it means leaving their traditional settings for better opportunities.
  3. It is possible to be rural, have a heritage rooted in Appalachia, and still hold progressive values that prioritize growth and advancement.

What Is To Be Done? Chronicling Our Future, as It Is Being Built.

Breaking the News • 1564 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic engagement Media Landscape Election Analysis Democratic Values Policy Changes
  1. People are actively thinking and organizing for a better America after the recent election. They are focused on community-driven efforts and finding ways to reconnect with each other.
  2. A lot of initiatives are happening at the state and local levels, rather than just in Washington, D.C. It's these grassroots movements that often lead to real change.
  3. Learning from history is key. Past movements show that big changes come from the bottom up, and citizens working together can create a positive shift in the national mood.

I Love This Guy

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Public Policy Political Movements Political Commentary
  1. We are at an important moment in history that can shape the future of Western values and freedom. It's essential to stay alert and participate in this significant change.
  2. When making policies, ensure they promote freedom for everyone and avoid leaning towards control and restrictions. Past attempts at reform have shown pitfalls when they disguise control as freedom.
  3. It's crucial to expose dishonest actions in politics and prioritize transparent communication. Learning from past mistakes can help build a stronger future without wasting time on revenge.

January 29, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Immigration Law enforcement National Security Government funding Legal Battles Intelligence
  1. Senate Democrats forced the Senate to separate DHS funding for two weeks to press for accountability after violent actions by ICE and Border Patrol, demanding warrants for roving patrols, body cameras, no masks, and independent investigations.
  2. Republicans agreed to the short delay but internal fights—like Lindsey Graham pushing to add a provision letting senators sue over seized records—and a razor-thin House majority make whether the funding measure will ultimately pass uncertain.
  3. President Trump has sued the IRS over leaked tax documents and amplified election-related conspiracy claims while shifting intelligence resources to investigate 2020 election fraud, increasing political tension and drawing sharp criticism.

January 28, 2026

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Elections Civil Rights Courts Executive Branch
  1. Federal agents have used lethal force in Minneapolis and other cities, killing American citizens, and the Department of Justice under AG Pam Bondi has refused to investigate and appears to be protecting those agents.
  2. The administration is demanding full state voter rolls and has seized ballots and election data in Georgia, tying those demands to immigration enforcement in a move many officials call political pressure or blackmail that threatens state election control.
  3. Judges, local prosecutors, and public opinion are pushing back — courts are rebuking ICE for ignoring orders, prosecutors have organized against federal overreach, and polls show waning support for the administration’s immigration stance, suggesting a growing political backlash.

Why American Cities (Actually) Suck

The Discourse Lounge • 1348 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Crime Rates Infrastructure Gun Control Social Issues
  1. Many American cities struggle because of poor political support and funding for urban infrastructure. Unlike some other countries, America often neglects its cities, leading to issues like poverty and crime.
  2. Increased policing alone won't solve the problems in American cities. Issues like gun violence and bad transportation systems need to be addressed holistically.
  3. To make cities better, America could learn from European and Asian approaches to urban planning and social welfare. Improving community support and organizing urban services better could lead to healthier, safer cities.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 24, 2025: Walter and Matt Review Donald Trump’s Executive Orders

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1250 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Free speech Censorship Political Commentary Current Events
  1. Donald Trump signed many executive orders after taking office, focusing on various controversial topics. Some were surprising to see, especially those related to free speech and censorship.
  2. The significance of these executive orders is that they reflect concerns about government influence on speech and media. Past discussions about free speech became formal actions, which was unexpected for some.
  3. Many people contributed to the push for free speech and accountability in media, including activists and politicians. Their efforts showed that public concern can lead to actual changes in policy.

Kemi Badenoch: ‘I Don’t Think DOGE Is Radical Enough’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1126 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International Culture
  1. Kemi Badenoch believes that the weakness in values is a bigger threat than external dangers, like Russia or China. She thinks it's important to stand firm on core beliefs rather than being overly tolerant of harmful ideas.
  2. She supports the idea that Europe needs to toughen up against things that could undermine its security, as highlighted by J.D. Vance's speech at a recent conference.
  3. Badenoch emphasizes that it's not liberal values themselves that are the issue but the extreme focus on tolerance that could lead to weakening societal foundations.

A housekeeping note about Substack and Nazis

Read Max • 3899 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content Moderation Network Effects Free speech
  1. Controversy around Nazis on Substack led to some writers considering leaving, but network effects and practical reasons keep others on the platform.
  2. Substack's decision not to moderate content like Nazi blogs sparked debates over content guidelines and platform responsibilities.
  3. Subscription newsletters on platforms like Substack offer a sense of independence for writers, but also come with challenges and complexities.

To NYT’s Peter Baker, Acknowledging Trans People’s Existence Is “Activism,” Openly Advocating for Perpetual U.S. Occupation of Afghanistan Isn’t

The Column • 963 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Journalism Bias Trans rights
  1. The definition of 'activism' can vary depending on the political stance.
  2. Elite reporters struggle to define the line between journalism and activism, relying on a vague 'vibe' instead of clear principles.
  3. Despite claiming impartiality, some journalists display clear ideological bias in their reporting.

Gee, I Wonder Why Venezuela Is Authoritarian!

JoeWrote • 118 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Interventionism Imperialism Authoritarianism Latin America
  1. The U.S. has a long history of intervening in Latin America, often leading to the rise of authoritarian governments in places like Guatemala and Venezuela. These actions have created instability and pain for many people in the region.
  2. Venezuelan leadership has often responded with authoritarian measures as a way to protect the country from perceived external threats, especially from the U.S. This response highlights the complexities of governance under constant external pressure.
  3. Critics of the Venezuelan government, while pointing out valid issues, often overlook how American policies have shaped the current situation. The cycle of intervention and authoritarianism demonstrates how outside influences can heavily impact a nation's political landscape.

Fake Data

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Bureaucracy Data Integrity Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that government data, like unemployment numbers, may not be accurate and could be manipulated for a specific narrative. This raises doubt about how trustworthy these figures really are.
  2. The independence of government employees from elected officials is questioned, suggesting that the current system might not align with constitutional principles. This brings up concerns about who is truly accountable in the decision-making process.
  3. Concerns are raised about the reliability of various types of government data, including health and agricultural statistics. This makes people wonder if they can trust any information provided by the government.

Trump Is Losing All His Trade Wars, Badly

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 353 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Impact Tariffs International relations Public Policy
  1. Trump's trade wars aren't helping America. The costs of these tariffs are mostly falling on American consumers and businesses, while the claimed benefits are not materializing.
  2. The tariffs are causing confusion and chaos in the market, making it harder for businesses to plan and invest. This uncertainty is hurting the economy more than the direct costs of the tariffs.
  3. Other countries are finding ways to adapt and strengthen their economies despite U.S. tariffs. The U.S. risks losing its place in global trade as businesses look for alternatives beyond the American market.

New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor, who once stated that “sex isn’t binary”, is coming to the end of her three-year term.

A B’Old Woman • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Gender Issues Human Rights
  1. New Zealand's Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, who has said 'sex isn't binary', is finishing her term soon. This statement has created mixed reactions.
  2. There is hope that the new government will choose a science advisor who aligns more with traditional views on sex and gender.
  3. The Marsden Fund, which supports research in New Zealand, has mixed approaches to gender and sex in its grant applications, reflecting confusion in some areas of research.

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Legislation Political Analysis
  1. The relationship between the US and Israel is strained, especially over the situation in Rafah. Netanyahu seems more focused on his political survival than on international alliances.
  2. The CIA has had deep involvement in Ukraine long before the full-scale invasion, which changes how we understand the war. Ukraine was actively seeking US support and sharing intelligence to strengthen its position against Russia.
  3. There's a new push in the US to ban TikTok due to national security concerns. This reflects a shift toward more government control over technology and the internet, especially regarding threats posed by foreign entities like China.

January 26, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Executive Branch Congressional Oversight Partisan Politics Civil Rights
  1. A federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after the killing of a VA nurse has provoked fierce debate, with the White House blaming local leaders and pushing tougher enforcement.
  2. Republican officials, local leaders, and deployed immigration officers are publicly criticizing the tactics, calling for investigations, withdrawing support, and warning the approach hurts communities and morale.
  3. The administration is responding with personnel moves and partial pullbacks—some agents are leaving, certain officials face scrutiny or reduced roles, and city leaders say federal arrests must stop while cooperation on real criminal investigations continues.

Fathoms

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1220 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social Issues Cultural critique Activism
  1. The world is overwhelmed with issues like war, pollution, and corporate greed. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of distraction instead of addressing these problems.
  2. There is an underlying peace and wisdom beneath all the chaos and madness. It encourages people to seek deeper understanding and stillness in their lives.
  3. Facing the uncomfortable truths about the world is essential. It's important to move beyond denial and confront the realities we often ignore.

A Crusading Clerisy

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Bureaucracy Academia Identity politics Law
  1. Marxism is not a religion, but post-Enlightenment progressivism ('Wokery') can be considered as one.
  2. The growth of the human-and-cultural capital class, along with technological evolution, has led to a shift towards jobs less grounded in physical reality, especially in entertainment, media, and education.
  3. Post-Enlightenment Progressivism (

I'm not going where you're going

Disaffected Newsletter • 1958 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Social Issues Cultural critique Personal Reflection
  1. Losing friends can happen when your views change. When someone undergoes personal growth or changes their beliefs, it can strain relationships.
  2. Some people choose to ignore harsh realities. It's hard to stay friends with those who refuse to see or accept truths you believe are important.
  3. Living in denial affects trust. When friends refuse to acknowledge issues, it can lead to a breakdown in trust and a feeling that you can't stay in the same space anymore.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Legislation Military Social justice Government
  1. Change can come suddenly, like the amendments to promote a cohesive and inclusive military force.
  2. A law bans using federal funds for certain divisive ideologies in the military, sparking optimism for change.
  3. Elimination of certain diversity-related positions and the restriction on funding for specific programs signal a shift in defense priorities.