The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Chartbook 337 The stakes in the struggle over Trump's trade strategy.

Chartbook • 1473 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic strategy Tariffs Public Opinion
  1. Trump's new trade strategy might lead to higher tariffs, which could raise prices for consumers. It’s planned to increase average tariffs from 2.6% to around 8% by 2026.
  2. Certain industries, especially car companies and food importers, could be hit hard by these tariffs. This could lead to increased car prices and food shortages.
  3. The success of Trump’s trade policy depends on balancing the interests of trade and public opinion. If people react negatively, it could limit how far he can go with these new tariffs.

In Memoriam: Professor Charles Fried (1935-2024)

Original Jurisdiction • 559 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Obituaries Civil Discourse Political Evolution Leadership
  1. Professor Charles Fried was known for his open-mindedness and willingness to change his views over time.
  2. He had a distinguished academic career, including serving as U.S. solicitor general and a justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
  3. His ability to reconsider his opinions, embrace civil discourse, and inspire others to be open-minded is a valuable lesson for public life.

Abundists Should Hedge Their Bets

Abstraction • 24 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Remote work Local government Fiscal policy Family Policy Urban Policy
  1. Housing supply reforms are the right long-term fix but they act slowly and invisibly, so voters may not notice benefits or may even blame reforms for short-term price or value changes.
  2. Remote work immediately unlocks a large 'shadow' housing supply by letting people move to cheaper places, which lowers competition for city housing and gives families quick, tangible time and cost relief.
  3. Cities are pushing return-to-office to protect municipal revenues, which harms families with long commutes, so defending remote work is a practical, pro-family political strategy that buys time for slower housing reforms.

Department Of Homeland Security Illegally Targeted Covid Dissent, New Documents Suggest

Michael Shellenberger • 1354 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Surveillance Public Health Civil Rights
  1. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) might have illegally targeted people who disagreed with COVID-19 policies by pushing social media to censor certain opinions.
  2. New documents suggest that DHS started monitoring COVID-related speech as early as February 2020, raising concerns about overstepping its legal boundaries.
  3. This surveillance and censorship might violate laws that restrict government agencies from involving themselves in issues without clear permission from Congress.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 17, 2025: "The Annotated Final Speech of Joe Biden"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Discourse Media
  1. Biden's farewell address felt odd and disconnected. It didn't seem urgent or relevant, almost like it was recorded in a strange way.
  2. He talked a lot about threats to democracy but seemed to contradict himself by not taking responsibility for those threats. It felt like he was both warning us and praising the very things he was cautioning against.
  3. Biden claimed credit for a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, but it was unclear how much he truly had to do with it. People believe the deal was more about politics than actual negotiation success.
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Why California Took So Long To Crack Down On Crime

Michael Shellenberger • 1582 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy Government Political Debate Social Issues Public Opinion
  1. California took a long time to address crime because many believed in being more lenient with laws and focusing on empathy for offenders. This approach aimed to reduce the number of people in prison and decriminalize certain actions.
  2. Over the years, the focus shifted from protecting victims to understanding and helping those who commit crimes, which some argue led to increased lawlessness.
  3. Now, there are signs that California might finally be changing its approach to crime, moving away from past policies that created challenges for public safety.

Join Me for an Evening at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, DC

Injecting Freedom • 14 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Events Campaigns Elections Political Figures Public Affairs
  1. A public evening event is scheduled at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on Monday, March 23 at 6 p.m.
  2. Entry is free, but attendees are asked to register in advance using the provided registration link.
  3. The event is promoted through a reader-supported newsletter that invites people to subscribe and share the announcement.

TLP Week in Review, 1/28-2/3

The Liberal Patriot • 471 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Social Issues International relations Elections Government
  1. The Atlantic discusses the negative mindset affecting trust in people. Let's focus on positivity and belonging.
  2. Foreign Affairs compares current conflicts to pre-WWII signs. Awareness is crucial to prevent a global war.
  3. Freedom House reports on autocratic regimes using tactics on US campuses. This undermines academic freedom.

Why did Steve Bannon and Noam Chomsky love Jeffrey Epstein so much?

Michael Tracey • 148 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Perception Media influence Criminal Justice
  1. Steve Bannon had a long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, sharing many personal updates and working together on PR strategies. They seemed to understand and support each other in their media efforts.
  2. Noam Chomsky also had a friendship with Epstein, which included meetings that some people find surprising. Chomsky defended his interactions, stating he based his view on Epstein's past legal situation.
  3. Both Bannon and Chomsky showed they valued their relationships with Epstein for different reasons, highlighting personal connections despite the controversies surrounding Epstein's actions.

This Is Not an Administration. This Is Not Even a Renaissance Court. This Is, Pure & Simple, a Chaos-Monkey House

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 476 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Structure International relations Authoritarianism
  1. Foreign policy decisions can change quickly and unpredictably, leading to confusion and instability for both allies and adversaries.
  2. The lack of a clear and consistent policy process means important decisions can be reversed without accountability, relying too much on one person's whims.
  3. When a government prioritizes personal loyalty over institutional expertise, it risks repeating the mistakes of past authoritarian regimes.

The Nazi Cult and the German Speech Police

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 121 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Media Rule of Law Cultural critique
  1. An American living in Berlin had his home raided by police after publishing a book with a swastika on the cover. This shows how seriously Germany deals with symbols associated with Nazism.
  2. The same individual was previously convicted for sharing the book's cover art on social media. This highlights the strict laws around hate speech and Nazi symbols in Germany.
  3. The situation raises questions about freedom of expression, especially when it conflicts with laws designed to prevent hate speech. It's a complex issue that many people are concerned about.

Our Picks of the Week: War, Peace, and TikTok Jacobins

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political parties International relations
  1. Recent U.S. and Israeli military actions have raised questions about the effectiveness of striking Iran's nuclear program, suggesting that damage might only delay their progress for a short while.
  2. A Democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani, won the New York City mayoral primary by connecting with voters looking for change, demonstrating the growing appeal of progressive ideas.
  3. Daniel Lurie, a new mayor in San Francisco, aims to undo policies that have led to city problems, focusing on practical solutions rather than ideology to address major issues.

No bridge too far

Disaffected Newsletter • 1658 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ethics Political Identity Social Issues Government Policy
  1. Many progressive liberals seem to lack a moral line that they won’t cross, even when their party takes extreme actions.
  2. There are serious issues in society like the education system failing kids, rising fatherlessness, and the controversial handling of child gender identity that should concern everyone.
  3. Supporting political parties that endorse harmful policies is seen as a moral failure, with the belief that it creates a divide between people who care about ethics and those who don't.

Exchange with Amy Wax on Immigration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1341 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Debate Public Policy Cultural Issues Identity politics
  1. High-skilled immigrants can provide huge benefits to the economy, like famous innovators who lead successful companies. Losing out on these talents could seriously harm American progress.
  2. Many immigrants are integrating well into American culture, and younger generations generally feel connected to diverse communities. There's a common misconception that immigrants don’t assimilate.
  3. Debats about immigration should focus on the potential of individuals rather than broad groups. High-skilled workers can bring positive changes, so it's a mistake to view them all negatively.

Was the American Founding Revolutionary?

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 530 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture Faith & Spirituality Literature
  1. The American Founding was a revolution blending old and new elements in society.
  2. The Founding Fathers upheld a 'spirit of liberty' from the colonial period in building a new kind of society.
  3. American society saw radical change after the Founding, with a shift to individual rights and dynamic living.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 1600 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Social Issues Current Events Activism
  1. It's important to read quality journalism to understand lessons from recent elections, rather than relying on social media.
  2. Supporting organizations like the Women's Emergency Network can make a difference in helping women access necessary healthcare, especially during tough times.
  3. Finding joy in small moments, like a child's birthday celebration, can provide a much-needed morale boost amid challenging news.

Here’s What I Know About Jeffrey Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Policy Issues Public Opinion
  1. Jeffrey Epstein was a manipulative criminal who preyed on powerful people, but there is no solid evidence to prove he was a spy.
  2. Some people believe Epstein was working for a foreign government, which has become a controversial topic within certain political circles.
  3. The author emphasizes that their information about Epstein comes from thorough reporting, not just rumors or gossip.

They Wanted to Own The Libs

OK Doomer • 514 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Partisan Politics Public Opinion Political Psychology Government Policies
  1. MAGA supporters often act out of spite, making choices that hurt themselves just to feel superior to others. This behavior makes them miss opportunities for personal growth and betterment.
  2. Despite facing numerous struggles, MAGA supporters continue to blame others for their problems instead of recognizing the impact of their own choices. This consistent self-pity does not lead to meaningful change.
  3. The desire to 'own the libs' can blind MAGA supporters to their own interests, making them support policies that ultimately hurt themselves while trying to hurt their perceived enemies.

The Formula for the Future

Faster, Please! • 1096 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Innovation Economy Technology Progress
  1. America's future depends on three key things: strong information processing, abundant energy, and economic freedom. These elements can help society grow and innovate.
  2. Regulatory barriers often slow down progress and innovation. To keep moving forward, it's important to take calculated risks instead of playing it safe.
  3. Embracing technology and overcoming bureaucracy can create a cycle of improvement. More energy and innovation can lead to a better future for everyone.

Are MAGA Republicans 'conservatives'?

georgelakoff • 923 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Authoritarianism Democracy Conservatism
  1. The Republican Party under Trump has shifted to an extreme phase, breaking political norms and valuing power over democracy
  2. The term 'conservative' traditionally signified preserving traditional ideologies, but some Republican voters are willing to undermine democracy to maintain power and impose their morality
  3. The evolution of MAGA Republicans towards authoritarianism challenges the traditional meaning of 'conservative' and raises questions on how to label them

Held Hostage-the undoing of an American city

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Activism Democracy Racial Issues
  1. The episode discusses the decline of representative democracy in Burlington, Vermont. The city council meeting was filled with chaos, showing a troubling trend in how discussions are held.
  2. There was intense pressure and outbursts from activists during the meeting, which can threaten the democratic process. It's important to pay attention to how community discussions are taking shape.
  3. The reaction of local politicians to align with radical voices raises concerns about their motivations and the future of governance. It's crucial for citizens to stand up and be aware of these issues before they escalate.

The "Economist" Is Not Amused: The Fraudulent "Shining City" of Today's Republicans

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 599 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Policy Government Political Ideology
  1. The modern Republican Party seems to ignore reality and cling to nostalgic ideas instead of addressing current issues. It's like they're in a fantasy world, focusing more on applause than on real economic policies.
  2. There's a growing sense among party members that they can blame Democrats for economic problems, despite their own history of increasing the deficit. It's like they're playing a blame game instead of taking responsibility.
  3. The leaders in the Republican Party appear more interested in tax cuts and deregulation rather than forming effective policies. They rally the crowd with grand tales but tend to avoid tough discussions about the economy.

More on the Vibes Shift, Alexander the Great, Elderly Mobsters, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Government Policy Cultural critique Populism Historical Analysis
  1. The discovery of Propecia for hair loss came from studying children in the Dominican Republic who had unique genital characteristics. This led to the development of a drug that helps prevent hair loss by replicating a natural enzyme deficiency.
  2. In South Korea, older people are becoming involved in right-wing politics, similar to trends seen in the U.S. This shows how different generations can align politically for various reasons, often driven by fear or conspiracy beliefs.
  3. The shift in Silicon Valley regarding corporate power highlights that political influence often outweighs economic power. Companies can change their policies quickly under political pressure, showing that government authority is central to real power.

The Fifth Circuit's mifepristone opinion is wrong

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 918 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Abortion Standing Medical Ethics
  1. The Fifth Circuit's opinion on standing related to mifepristone is controversial and may be overturned.
  2. Plaintiffs in the case lack standing as their claims are speculative and not aligned with the interests of their potential patients.
  3. The court's reasoning may have far-reaching implications, allowing doctors to challenge a wide range of government regulations based on personal aesthetic preferences.

Are we entering a Conservative Golden Age?

Silver Bulletin • 1202 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Voting Patterns Public Opinion Policy Analysis Cultural Shifts
  1. A Conservative Golden Age might be emerging, as recent policies and leadership are leaning strongly to the right. This could mean significant changes in areas like immigration and social rights.
  2. Public opinion often reacts against a government seen as too conservative or too liberal. If Trump’s policies are perceived as overreaching, it may lead to a shift back to more liberal governance in future elections.
  3. Historically, American politics swings between conservative and liberal eras, influenced by major crises. This suggests uncertainty about whether we're starting a new conservative era or if the current situation is temporary.

What Happens After ICE Raids Your Company?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 556 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Employment Law enforcement Civil Rights Labor Issues
  1. ICE recently raided a Nebraska meatpacking plant, arresting nearly 80 workers under suspicion of illegal immigration. The agents looked intimidating and searched high and low for employees.
  2. The company believed all the arrested workers were legal to work in the U.S. They were shocked to find out that many were detained despite having proper documentation.
  3. This incident reflects ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and raises questions about how companies verify their workers' legal status.

The Ad That Radicalised Me

The Ruffian • 1511 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Ethics Healthcare Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. The debate around assisted dying brings up strong feelings. Some people see the law as a way to help those who are suffering, while others worry it could hurt vulnerable people.
  2. Critics argue that individual choice shouldn't come before community values. They believe allowing assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope where life is devalued.
  3. It's important to talk honestly about the trade-offs involved. Opposing the bill means accepting that some people will continue to suffer, which is a tough reality to face.

Biden Putting National Security at Risk by Secretly Resettling Illegals Across America

Politique Republic • 511 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Immigration Government
  1. The Biden administration is resettling undocumented immigrants across the U.S. without disclosing their identities
  2. There is concern that some of these immigrants could pose security risks
  3. A proposed solution involves using advanced technology to track and verify the identities of undocumented immigrants

What I'm Reading

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Conservatism Literature Trumpism
  1. The book 'Furious Minds' explores the MAGA New Right and profiles various scholars who support Donald Trump. It highlights how these figures have gained influence in conservative circles.
  2. The author categorizes these scholars into three groups: Postliberals, Claremonters, and National Conservatives, each with unique reasons for supporting Trump. They have different views on markets and governance.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of prominent conservative voices in academia outside of specific institutions, which may make the conservative community appear more like a tight-knit group. This raises challenges for conservative thinkers.

Can Great Power Politics Be Ethical?

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Political theory Political Ethics Military Strategy
  1. Great power politics often involves tough choices where states prioritize their own interests. This leads to conflicts and a belief that violence can sometimes be necessary to maintain power.
  2. Realism, a key theory in international relations, suggests that international laws and good intentions often don't work. Instead, powerful nations will act according to their own interests, regardless of fairness.
  3. Despite hopes for a more cooperative international system, powerful states rarely act differently than weaker ones, and this creates a cycle of conflict driven by the pursuit of power.

Why Biden failed

Silver Bulletin • 1209 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Public Opinion Presidential History Policy Issues
  1. Biden faced huge challenges from the pandemic, his age, and a divided Democratic Party. These factors made it hard for him to keep his promises to the voters.
  2. His approach to tackling multiple crises at once hurt his effectiveness. Instead of focusing on solving one problem, he tried to handle everything, which didn't work out well.
  3. Despite being popular when he started, Biden's approval ratings dropped as various issues like inflation and crime grew. His age also became a concern for many voters.

The Profile Dossier: Amaryllis Fox, the ex-CIA agent performing the most clandestine operations

The Profile • 2300 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence Empathy Conflict resolution Authenticity Humanity
  1. Amaryllis Fox emphasized the importance of listening to disarm the enemy.
  2. Fox highlighted the power of relationships and in-person interactions for understanding people's fears and motivations.
  3. Fox stressed the significance of recognizing each other's humanity and finding common ground through empathy and respect.

Links for November

By Reason Alone • 114 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government transparency Civic engagement Public Policy Political History
  1. Hosting a public conversation about science funding and peer review can open up important discussions about how science is evaluated and funded. It's a chance to explore the role of philanthropy in the scientific landscape.
  2. Encouraging a culture of giving through student donation matching can help support effective charities like the Against Malaria Foundation. This initiative could inspire similar efforts in other countries.
  3. Working as a researcher in a library can significantly enhance productivity compared to traditional open-plan offices. A shorter commute and quiet study environments can lead to better focus and more accomplishments.

American cities are poised for a street design revolution

Urben Field Notes • 81 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Transit Infrastructure Local government Public Space Mobility
  1. Cities can reclaim narrow, busy streets by creating car-free or low-traffic neighborhoods that prioritize walking, biking, and public life, though access for deliveries and people with disabilities will need careful solutions.
  2. The fastest way to make transit competitive is true bus rapid transit with physically separated lanes, all-door and level boarding, and priority signals so buses move reliably and quickly.
  3. Redesigned streets require comprehensive curb management that assigns paid, designated curb space for deliveries, ride-hail, dining, EV charging, and bike parking so the whole system functions efficiently.

FBI Helped Clinton Campaign Orchestrate Russia Collusion Hoax To Distract From Email Investigation, Newly Declassified Intelligence Suggests

Public • 415 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Intelligence Government Corruption Media
  1. New intelligence suggests that the FBI may have helped the Clinton campaign create a story linking Trump to Russia.
  2. The goal of this plot was believed to be a distraction from the investigation into Clinton's email use.
  3. This recent information challenges previous claims that there was no government involvement in creating a false narrative about Russian interference.

Burlington is persecuting a good man

Disaffected Newsletter • 839 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civil Rights Political Activism Legal issues Community support
  1. A retired teacher named Bill Oetjen is facing fines for putting up stickers expressing his views on gender issues. He feels targeted by the city government for his opinions.
  2. Bill believes that the city is violating free speech rights by labeling his messages as 'hate speech' while ignoring more extreme messages from others.
  3. There is a call for financial support to help Bill with legal costs as he challenges the fines and fights for his rights.

What Manufacturing Production Is Not Good For

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Unionization Economics Political Economy
  1. Chasing factory jobs is not a good solution for job creation anymore. Most manufacturing is highly automated now, so there are fewer jobs that don’t require a degree.
  2. Unions play a key role in improving job quality in manufacturing. Strong unions can make even lower-skill jobs more stable and better paying.
  3. The future of work is shifting away from manufacturing jobs. Instead of looking to bring back old factory jobs, we should focus on rebuilding institutions that support workers across all industries.

January 23, 2026

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Civil Rights Constitutional Law Protests Executive Power Political History
  1. Tens of thousands protested the federal occupation of Minneapolis–St. Paul, saying ICE and CBP actions are trampling constitutional rights like free speech, equal protection, and protection from unreasonable searches.
  2. The administration is using visa revocations, secret memos authorizing warrantless home entries, and an expanded 'domestic terrorism' label to silence and criminalize dissent.
  3. This push is part of a broader effort to redefine America around racialized 'blood-and-soil' ideas, while many point to the Founders and Lincoln to argue that defending equality and the rule of law is the true conservative stance.