The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Europe's Israel

Diane Francis • 739 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Aid Geopolitics
  1. Ukraine is seen as a key ally for Europe, deserving NATO membership due to its strong military and significant contributions against Russia. This support is crucial for Europe's future security.
  2. Military aid from the US has played a vital role in weakening Russia's capabilities, while European nations like Poland and the Baltics are stepping up to provide significant support and military assistance to Ukraine.
  3. Options for Ukraine's security are being discussed, including alternative agreements that would ensure strong protections similar to Israel's model, but NATO membership might not be possible at the upcoming summit.

Fixing the Web with Warning Labels?

Unmoderated Insights • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Public Health Policy Analysis Censorship
  1. The U.S. Surgeon General is suggesting that social media should have warning labels. This idea is controversial because it assumes social media only causes negative effects, while it can also have positive impacts.
  2. Warning labels might not stop people from using social media and could even backfire by making them more curious or anxious. Past experiences with fear-based campaigns show that they don't always work as intended.
  3. These warning labels might shift focus from the companies responsible for harmful designs to the users, putting pressure on parents instead of changing how social media platforms operate.

January 8, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Branch Congress Judiciary Law enforcement Immigration Foreign Policy Civil Liberties
  1. Federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, and the administration and allied media quickly pushed a self‑defense narrative while the FBI cut off state investigators, raising serious concerns about a cover‑up and an unfair probe.
  2. The president is acting more like an authoritarian, openly claiming his personal morality is the only limit on his power, planning grand White House renovations, and threatening unilateral moves like rebranding tariffs or invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops.
  3. Institutions and some Republicans are pushing back: courts have flagged unlawful Trump appointments, lawmakers advanced votes to restore health subsidies and limit war powers, and calls for independent oversight and public protests continue.

Successes of the American Empire I: A Free South Korea

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1877 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy North Korea Military Diplomacy
  1. US foreign policy successes are often less visible than failures, making it important to acknowledge both aspects
  2. American military presence in South Korea has helped maintain peace by deterring North Korean aggression
  3. Engaging in discussions with hostile regimes, like North Korea, can provide valuable insights into their intentions
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

A random number generator determined the “favorite" in our forecast

Silver Bulletin • 905 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Polls Political Analysis Forecasting
  1. The presidential race is extremely close, almost a 50/50 chance for each candidate. This makes it tough to predict who will win.
  2. Recent simulations showed a slight edge for Kamala Harris, but overall results were very mixed, indicating a highly uncertain outcome.
  3. Voting is crucial in this tight race; it really comes down to what people choose, making it more important than any guessing games.

🏗️ Permitting ourselves to build: A Quick Q&A with … energy policy expert James Coleman

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Regulation Energy Policy Environmental Law Judicial Review
  1. Building infrastructure in America has become very slow and difficult mainly due to environmental regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act. These rules, which were made to protect the environment, now often delay important projects for years.
  2. Many energy projects are stuck in regulatory and court processes, making it hard to shift to cleaner energy sources. Reforming these regulations could help speed up the development of clean energy initiatives.
  3. Judicial reviews and the ability of courts to issue injunctions often hold up projects unnecessarily. There needs to be a limit on how long these reviews can take to encourage investment in new infrastructure.

January 5, 2026 (Monday)

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Executive Branch Congress Judiciary Political violence Extremism Democracy
  1. The January 6 attack was an organized attempt to overturn a democratic election and used violence and intimidation to try to stop the peaceful transfer of power.
  2. A long-running political project that demonized government, blamed minorities, and promoted reclaiming power for white men helped build support for anti-democratic actions.
  3. Donald Trump’s efforts to subvert the 2020 election, the resulting legal fights and a Supreme Court immunity ruling have weakened checks and balances and enabled further abuses of executive power at home and abroad.

Andrew Cuomo Enters His Influencer Era

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political Figures Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. Andrew Cuomo is trying a new strategy after losing a recent primary election. He is visiting working-class neighborhoods to connect better with voters.
  2. Cuomo's campaign acknowledges that they didn't engage with their base enough during the campaign. They want to make sure people understand the importance of the current race.
  3. Some supporters are excited to see Cuomo, but they also want to know what he plans to do for the city, not just photo opportunities.

The Death of Twitter and Generalized Identity

The Discourse Lounge • 797 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Political Discourse Identity politics Cultural Shifts Voter trends
  1. Twitter is losing its importance and is now filled with misleading content and bots. Many users have moved to other platforms that promote better quality discussions.
  2. While Twitter helped popularize many leftist ideas, it also made some views seem more common than they actually were among broader communities. Not all ideas on Twitter reflect the majority opinion.
  3. The way media and politicians used Twitter as a guide for understanding diverse communities can be misleading. Terms like BIPOC gained traction on Twitter but don’t always resonate with how people identify in real life.

My Takes on the Election

In My Tribe • 865 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Intelligence
  1. People can argue about why the Democrats lost, but there are many reasons to consider. Each side will focus on factors that support their views and can raise their status.
  2. J.D. Vance could keep Trump voters happy, but many voters are unsure about Trump. If things go wrong, there might be a quick change in popularity for him.
  3. The government can't keep increasing debt forever. The challenge will be finding ways to cut spending that don't upset voters. Intelligence agencies also need to be managed well to make sure they work effectively.

Trans Day of Invincibility

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Gun Violence Media influence Social movements Public Safety
  1. A tragic incident occurred where a person identified as transgender committed a violent act, leading to a discussion about media portrayal of transgender individuals as victims.
  2. There were protests against a speaker advocating for women's rights, highlighting tensions around free speech related to gender issues.
  3. There are concerns about the growing influence of extreme views within the transgender movement and the support it gets from media and government.

Call of Duty as a lens into American foreign policy from 2003-2025

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 298 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Media Culture Video Games
  1. The Call of Duty series is the most popular video game franchise, showcasing a realistic combat simulator that reflects American military history and identity over the years.
  2. Unlike other games that focus on fantasy or abstract puzzles, Call of Duty aims to recreate real-world conflicts and the emotions tied to them.
  3. Each installment often mirrors contemporary geopolitical issues, making it a unique lens through which we can analyze America's view on foreign policy and military engagements.

Should the U.S. Shut Its Borders? Join Us for Our Next Live Debate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1827 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debates Presidential candidates Election Issues Civil Liberties
  1. Traditional presidential debates may not happen, and even if they do, they often lack substantial discussion on important issues.
  2. The America Debates initiative by The Free Press aims to host live debates across the country on contentious topics like closing America's borders.
  3. Exclusive presale tickets for The America Debates are available to paid subscribers before opening to the general public.

Matt Walsh Speaks For Me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Social Issues Public Discourse Media influence Cultural Commentary
  1. People find strong support in voices like Matt Walsh's. His message resonates deeply with those who feel disconnected from mainstream views.
  2. Many believe that there are significant moral issues that need attention, and they appreciate outspoken advocates for their beliefs.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage further by subscribing to platforms that share similar views, indicating a desire for community and support.

House builders are not a bunch of bankers

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Planning Housing Government Transportation
  1. Housing developers aren't the greedy land-bankers people often think they are. In fact, many factors affecting their work are quite broken.
  2. There's a new plan to possibly build Heathrow's third runway before the election, which could change how we handle infrastructure projects.
  3. Focusing on time management can help speed up large projects. A surprising example is how a nuclear plant was approved in just three days!

The trouble with being single, female, heterosexual, and middle aged

Sex and the State • 231 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Social Commentary Attachment theory
  1. Being single and middle-aged can feel very different than when you were younger. Men may treat women differently as they age, which can be surprising.
  2. Finding a partner becomes harder as time goes on because potential matches are less available. This means it might be useful to change how you look for connections.
  3. It's important to work on your own relationship patterns. Improving your attachment style can help you find and keep the kind of partner you really want.

WelcomePAC Celebrates a Republican Win, Not Realizing Centrists Have Done Worse.

JoeWrote • 55 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Parties Campaign Finance Political Ideology Political media Voter Behavior
  1. A DSA-linked progressive ran much closer than expected in a deep-red Tennessee district, outperforming the Democratic presidential baseline by about 13 points while being heavily outspent.
  2. Centrists quickly claimed a moderate would have done better, but that argument ignores spending gaps, cherry-picked special-election averages, and past centrist failures in the same district.
  3. Billionaire-funded centrist groups are using tactics like prewritten analyses and manipulated polls to protect donor interests, and as the left resurges they’ll likely step up coordinated pushback.

DEI versus Asians in STEM

Heterodox STEM • 185 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Social justice Diversity Initiatives Racial Disparities STEM Education
  1. DEI policies in STEM often discriminate against Asians because their strong math performance is used to justify limiting their representation. This creates unfair advantages for other groups instead of raising overall math standards.
  2. In sports, we celebrate diverse talent without enforcing racial quotas. Similarly, the focus in academics should be on merit and excellence without penalizing high achievers based on their background.
  3. Addressing educational disparities requires understanding the root causes of performance differences, rather than implementing policies that might reduce opportunities for successful students.

Political Violence Happens Because We Let It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 765 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Ideological Conflict Domestic Terrorism Protests
  1. Political violence is on the rise due to various ideologies motivating individuals to commit violent acts. Many recent events show how political beliefs can lead to extreme actions.
  2. The history of political violence in the U.S. has repeating patterns, similar to what the country experienced in the 1960s and 70s. This pattern includes assassinations, riots, and domestic terrorism.
  3. Despite the increase in other forms of crime, political violence has become less common for a while, making its return today surprising to many younger people.

The War on Drugs Targets People, Not Substances

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Social Disparities Criminal Justice Public Health
  1. Drug prohibition perpetuates racial and social disparities, serving as a tool for division and maintaining social order.
  2. The War on Drugs may not have succeeded in its stated goal of reducing drug use, but it has been successful in boosting police budgets and expanding harm among marginalized communities.
  3. The emphasis on controlling people rather than substances in the War on Drugs has led to an increase in prison populations, incentivizing more arrests and further marginalization.

John Bolton: Why America Needs Greenland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 709 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy International relations Government Diplomacy
  1. The idea of the U.S. buying Greenland isn't new, and Trump has talked about it several times, suggesting it's important for national security.
  2. Greenland has historical ties to U.S. security interests, especially since World War II, when it helped protect against threats in the North Atlantic.
  3. Ambassador John Bolton believes there's a strong case for the U.S. to pursue this acquisition, although he thinks Trump's approach has complicated things.

Top Links 636 Government by executive order. Deepseek & uranium. Avian flu and the supply chain. A natural history of the studio (Kentridge).

Chartbook • 615 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Executive orders Current Events Public Health
  1. The government is increasingly using executive orders to make decisions quickly. This shows how urgent some issues are right now.
  2. There's a connection between Deepseek, uranium, and current events. This is an important topic as it relates to energy and security.
  3. Avian flu is impacting the supply chain. This situation highlights how health issues can affect product availability.

Biden Administration Implicated In Brazilian Court’s Attack On Congressman Fighting Censorship And Corruption

Michael Shellenberger • 923 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Corruption Censorship Political Power Legal issues
  1. A Brazilian congressman named Marcel Van Hattem is facing an investigation for speaking out against censorship and corruption. This marks a worrying trend of increased government control over free speech in Brazil.
  2. Van Hattem is well-known for exposing government corruption and has gathered a significant following on social media. His popularity highlights the public's desire for transparency and free expression.
  3. The investigation against Van Hattem challenges the tradition of protecting congressional speech in Brazil. Legal experts have raised concerns, suggesting this move could backlash against the government and strengthen demands for accountability.

Britain’s Project 2029

Wrong Side of History • 617 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Policy Elections Government actions Political Commentary
  1. Trump's return to presidency has led to significant changes in American policies, especially regarding immigration and diversity programs. Many people are excited about these shifts.
  2. There is a noticeable contrast between the proactive measures of the new American administration and the lack of clear direction from the British government under Starmer. This difference is leading to a feeling of stagnation in Britain.
  3. Voters prefer a government that takes action and shows energy. In contrast, the current British leadership is seen as tired and lacking a strong vision, which is making them unpopular.

Americans Are Fighting For Control Of Federal Powers That Shouldn’t Exist

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1999 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Government Constitution Supreme Court State power
  1. The intensity of the division in American politics arises from the federal government operating beyond the limits of the Constitution.
  2. The federal government's involvement in various aspects of American life is mostly unconstitutional based on the limited powers granted by the Constitution.
  3. The Supreme Court has played a significant role in expanding federal powers through broad interpretations of clauses like the General Welfare and Commerce clauses.

Anti-Trans Activists are Unprincipled and Depraved

American Dreaming • 246 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBT Rights Culture Wars Gender Issues Political Activism Social justice
  1. Anti-trans activists often focus on issues like fairness, but many times their real motives are rooted in bigotry. They don't actually care about the fairness they claim to fight for.
  2. The argument for banning trans people from certain spaces, like women's sports, is often contradictory. Critics worry about fairness but ignore that some activities, like chess, are not physically competitive.
  3. The rise of anti-trans sentiment has led to a dangerous environment where any dissent or different viewpoints are quickly attacked. This movement is growing in power and is becoming more aggressive in its approaches.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Corporate ethics Activism Public Sentiment Social justice
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Keir Starmer's Reality Avoidance Field

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Government Policy Elections Public Opinion
  1. Keir Starmer seems unprepared for the challenges of being Prime Minister, focusing more on image than on actual governance. He needs to seriously confront the issues facing the country and not just rely on his past record.
  2. Starmer appears to avoid difficult topics and has not clearly articulated a comprehensive plan for his government. Good leaders need to have strong ideas and be willing to take risks.
  3. Even though Starmer still has support, he risks losing it if he doesn't quickly adapt and face the realities of Britain's problems. Change is crucial, and only decisive actions will help him regain public trust.

Trump and the Rise of Asia

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 770 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Globalization Inequality International relations
  1. Western elites feel confused and uneasy with Trump's approach, much like Eastern European elites felt with Gorbachev. They see him as changing the norms that they are used to.
  2. European leaders are struggling to adapt to changes brought by Trump. They tend to view his presidency as a temporary disruption rather than a challenge to their rule.
  3. China's rise is shifting economic power away from the West, and many in the Western middle class may feel a decline in their global status as Asian economies grow rapidly.

Shah Shah a Come Come

Wrong Side of History • 284 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political theory Cultural Commentary Historical Analysis Current Events
  1. Iran's current regime is using old plans from the Shah's time for their nuclear program, but it hasn't achieved much yet. Many Iranians still feel a sense of nationalism despite their discontent with the government.
  2. There's a notion that society's challenges should be addressed with stability in government rather than just pushing for democracy. A monarchist approach could offer long-term solutions instead.
  3. London has a mix of wealth and poverty, and many people are leaving for other areas in search of opportunities. This shift is changing the cultural landscape, making London feel less connected to the rest of the UK.

New Issue Of JOHNSTONE: When Journalists Are Your Enemy, Truth Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 628 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Foreign Policy Free speech Media Critique Civil Rights Political Commentary
  1. Journalists can sometimes face severe consequences for questioning powerful figures, as shown by the removal of journalist Sam Husseini during a press conference.
  2. There's a growing concern over censorship and the treatment of journalists, especially those who report on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  3. The impact of wars and conflicts can be felt worldwide, tying into broader issues such as homelessness and societal well-being.

A "Woke Agenda" Burned in Effigy by Missouri Senators

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 497 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Political Events Policies Lawmakers Political issues
  1. Missouri Senators burned a 'Woke Agenda' in effigy, causing controversy and sparking discussions about their actions.
  2. The Senators involved have been part of the state's GOP supermajority for years and have supported controversial legislation regarding various issues.
  3. The fiery display sparked concerns about the priorities of lawmakers, with focus on issues such as education funding, healthcare access, and attacks on marginalized communities.

SBSQ #17: How should you prepare for an AI future?

Silver Bulletin • 627 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Political strategy Public Opinion Governance
  1. To prepare for an AI-driven future, it's important to start using AI tools now. This will help boost your productivity and give you a better understanding of how AI can be applied in your work.
  2. Stay informed about technology and finance news to understand the evolving job market. This knowledge can help you make smart investment decisions and navigate your career path more effectively.
  3. Focus on developing a mix of skills that includes analytical thinking, domain knowledge, and personal skills. Being well-rounded in these areas can make you more valuable in a competitive job environment impacted by AI.

Dingus of the week: Matt Yglesias

Men Yell at Me • 885 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Government Civil Rights Political parties
  1. The election results show that many Americans chose Trump, which reveals a lot about what people really want and believe. It's a wake-up call about the reality we live in.
  2. Blaming specific groups or feelings won't solve the bigger issues at play. Both major parties have failed to connect with people's true needs and concerns.
  3. No matter who is in power, the fight for equality and justice continues. Real change takes long-term work, and we must keep pushing for a better future.

Inaugurious

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Civic engagement Cultural criticism Personal narratives Contemporary Issues
  1. The author plays with the idea of words and their meanings, suggesting the creation of a new word 'inaugurious', meaning something that doesn't bode well. It highlights how language can evolve and hold double meanings.
  2. A personal memory is shared about spending time in a condo with a runaway and watching soap operas. It paints a picture of a carefree yet troubled youth, emphasizing the mix of nostalgia and chaos in that phase of life.
  3. The story includes a unique dog that had a gentle nature but was known to growl at ghosts. This adds an eerie and humorous twist, making readers consider what the dog saw in the author.

The Looming Danger to Rural Schools

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 378 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Funding
  1. Rural schools in Missouri are facing a funding crisis, ranking poorly in starting teacher pay and educational funding.
  2. 30% of Missouri schools operate on a 4-day week due to lack of funding, impacting students' academic hours and creating challenges for parents with daycare needs.
  3. Missouri legislators are considering further defunding public education, potentially implementing voucher programs that could divert public tax money to private and religious schools, jeopardizing the future of rural schools.