The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Trump and the Putinization of the US Government

Phillips’s Newsletter • 200 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Branch Foreign Policy National Security Authoritarianism Political Leadership Government Institutions
  1. A single, odd image of a top official in comically oversized shoes can be deeply unsettling and symbolically damaging.
  2. It's striking and alarming that someone serving as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser can appear pitiable or unprofessional, which undercuts the seriousness of their office.
  3. The fact the shoes are cheaply made in China and worn by a wealthy, powerful figure highlights a jarring disconnect between appearance and the dignity expected of high office.

The Unbearable Stupidity of Nick Shirley

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4535 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Misinformation Conservatism Immigration Populism Polarization
  1. A 23-year-old influencer’s viral confrontational videos are being praised as investigative journalism even though his methods were sloppy and produced unreliable evidence that led to harassment of targeted daycares.
  2. The right-wing influencer ecosystem often works backwards—starting from a belief and then hunting for so-called "receipts"—which prioritizes identity-based narratives over careful evidence and proper reporting.
  3. Conservative media frequently rewards low intellectual standards and nativist claims, elevating amateurs instead of rigorous journalists and making thoughtful, policy-focused debate harder.

34th and Portland

Desystemize • 3231 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Criminal Justice Civil Rights Protests Local Politics Federal Policy
  1. Showing up to a vigil can be more meaningful than chanting for some people—bearing witness honors the victim and helps people process the loss together.
  2. Small acts of care and local norms—making space, escorting cars, staying calm—hold a community together even amid anger and grief.
  3. Naming the victim (Renee Good) and keeping the specifics of the killing matters; it resists flattening the tragedy into slogans and points to real failures of power and justice.

Cooking Cowgirl Kristi

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 395 implied HN points • 07 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Branch Congress Political parties Scandals Media Foreign Policy
  1. Kristi Noem was an unusually flashy and controversial DHS secretary whose self-promotion and ethical missteps made her an easy target and led to her firing.
  2. MAGA supporters and leaders often turn on their own underlings, using them as scapegoats while avoiding direct criticism of the top leadership.
  3. The real problem is the leader’s corruption setting the tone for the movement, which fuels policy failures, internal infighting, and ongoing chaos.

The War of the Sexes

Disaffected Newsletter • 2837 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Feminism Social Dynamics
  1. Many straight men feel they cannot be honest with women or even their male friends due to fear of being labeled as sexist. They often feel frustrated with how they're treated in conversations about gender issues.
  2. There's a feeling among some men that modern women have gained advantages in society without being held to the same standards as men. This perceived imbalance creates tension and contributes to men's reluctance to engage with women.
  3. The relationship dynamics between men and women can be unhealthy, with each side sometimes provoking the other negatively. It's important to understand and address these issues for better understanding between the genders.
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Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

Noahpinion • 38588 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Economic Policy Trump administration Legislation Public Opinion
  1. The proposed budget bill includes new taxes on solar and wind energy, which could make energy more expensive for Americans. This might hurt the growth of renewable energy sources that could help reduce electricity costs.
  2. By raising taxes on clean energy technologies, the bill could lead to job losses in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. This is particularly concerning for regions that have benefited economically from these industries.
  3. The bill reflects a broader cultural battle against non-fossil fuel energy. Its supporters seem more focused on ideological beliefs than on economic or environmental benefits, which could have long-term negative effects on energy prices and reliability.

The Housing Ladder's Broken Promise

Progress and Poverty • 2347 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Tax policy Zoning Urbanism Economics Demographics Land use
  1. Housing cannot be both widely affordable and treated as a perpetually appreciating investment; treating homes as investment vehicles pushes prices up and locks many people out.
  2. If the conflict is left unresolved the system can break in several bad ways—sudden crashes that wreck the economy, slow neo-feudal stagnation where landlords extract huge rents, or demographic decline as people leave or fail to form families.
  3. A practical off-ramp is to unlock supply and curb land speculation: make it easier to build (YIMBY reforms) and shift taxes onto land value (Georgist ideas) so housing becomes more affordable without unfairly wrecking current owners.

Daddy Died a MAGA

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 31690 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Personal Story Political Impact Legacy Relationships Trumpism
  1. The impact of political beliefs on personal relationships can be significant, even leading to estrangement and deep regrets.
  2. People's views and behaviors can drastically change, especially in response to political figures, causing distress and confusion for loved ones.
  3. The legacy a person leaves behind is shaped by their words and actions, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive connections and memories.

Kristi Noem Bites the Dust

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 259 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Congress Appointments Homeland security Immigration Oversight Scandal
  1. Her short tenure as DHS secretary was marked by repeated self-inflicted embarrassments and insults, and she ultimately lost the job after failing to defend her record.
  2. She called two people killed by federal agents "domestic terrorism," refused to apologize when challenged, and blamed the chaotic scene despite evidence contradicting her claim.
  3. Her appointment highlighted a preference for loyalty over competence, and her mistakes damaged the administration's standing on immigration, prompting her replacement by Sen. Markwayne Mullin once confirmed.

CROSSPOST: JOSH MARSHALL: Don’t Be Fooled By the Corrupt Court’s Tariff Decision

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 576 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Constitution Executive Power Congress Trade policy Corruption
  1. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is corrupt and acts out of partisan self-interest rather than consistently applying clear legal principles.
  2. Undoing Trump’s tariffs isn’t a vindication — the tariffs were transparently illegal but were allowed to remain in effect for almost a year, causing massive economic harm because the Court delayed and stayed relief.
  3. The Court’s passivity and willingness to enable executive overreach show the constitutional system is failing and demand thorough reform to protect the republic.

The Georgia Ballot

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 239 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Taxes Public Policy
  1. Voting yes on the constitutional amendment helps protect homeowners from having their property values tied to inflation. This means more consistent property taxes for everyone.
  2. Creating a statewide tax court will provide independent, expert help on tax issues, making the tax process fairer and more efficient.
  3. Raising the personal property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 can provide financial relief to property owners. It's a good move for many families.

Why Voter ID Is Common Sense

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Election Law Legislation Election Integrity Public Opinion
  1. Most Americans think you should show ID and that only citizens should register to vote, but actual laws are weak and states handle voter ID rules very differently.
  2. Federal law bans noncitizens from voting, yet it doesn’t require states to verify citizenship at registration, and Republicans are pushing the SAVE America Act to force proof of citizenship.
  3. Supporters say requiring ID and citizenship checks would boost trust in elections and clear up confusion, while critics argue these measures are racist.

No, you are not on Indigenous land

Noahpinion • 106119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethnicity Land Rights Nationalism Indigenous issues Social justice
  1. Land ownership is complicated and often involves historical conquests, meaning most land has been taken and reclaimed many times throughout history.
  2. Assigning land ownership based on race or ethnic groups might create more conflict rather than solve past injustices. Instead, citizenship and belonging should be based on institutions, not ethnicity.
  3. Supporting Native American tribes today means respecting their modern institutions and allowing them autonomy in developing their land rather than just acknowledging past grievances.

Bullying Is ‘Prevalent’ in the Legal Profession, New Study Finds

Original Jurisdiction • 479 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Justice Workplace Bullying Diversity
  1. A recent study found that about 24% of lawyers faced bullying in just a year. That's a pretty high number for a profession where respect is key.
  2. Bullying affects certain groups more, like women and people of color. This shows some ongoing challenges in promoting equality in the legal field.
  3. Many lawyers don't report bullying because they fear backlash or think nothing will change. Employers need to take this seriously and create a safer workplace culture.

Alberta Unstuck

Doomberg • 6383 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Energy Environment Trade Government
  1. A new energy deal between Alberta and Ottawa aims to boost oil exports, marking a significant change in Canadian energy policy.
  2. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has decided to suspend emissions caps and support a pipeline to help Alberta's oil reach Asian markets.
  3. This shift in policy is seen as a major move in global oil and gas flows, potentially impacting international markets soon.

Another cool paper and more notes on a bad paper on housing supply

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 463 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing Urban Policy Regulation Local government Economic Policy Land use
  1. Preapproved permits carry a large market premium: land and sites with ready-to-issue permits sell for much more and are far likelier to be developed, so permitting frictions explain a meaningful share of the gap between housing prices and construction costs.
  2. Common economic models and supply measures rest on assumptions like identical workers and costless mobility that don’t match how people actually behave, so those models can misread affordability, displacement, and migration dynamics.
  3. The 2008 mortgage crash and collapse in single-family construction shifted the supply picture nationwide, making many standard metro-level supply metrics uninformative; high prices in expensive cities often reflect broad demand vs. constrained supply, not unique local popularity.

March 17, 2026

Letters from an American • 30 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections National Security Congress Executive Branch Energy Policy
  1. A U.S. military campaign has helped close the Strait of Hormuz and driven oil prices sharply higher, disrupting global supplies of oil, gas, fertilizer, helium, and aluminum; meanwhile Russia is aiding Iran and the U.S. appears poorly prepared after cutting energy-diplomacy staff and decommissioning minesweeper capabilities.
  2. The war is fracturing the president’s coalition, with allies and officials resigning or distancing themselves and warning that the administration may no longer control how or when the conflict ends.
  3. The president is using the crisis to push domestic political goals—attacking the Supreme Court and pushing a voter ID/proof-of-citizenship law that could remove millions from the rolls while urging filibuster changes—just as rising gas prices threaten his working-class support.

The Popular Progressive Podcast Calling Evangelicals ‘Cancer’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1261 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Political polarization Religious politics Progressive politics Culture Wars Political Commentary
  1. Jennifer Welch’s podcast 'I’ve Had It' is a hugely popular progressive show with seven-figure followings and high-profile Democratic guests.
  2. Her profane, provocative style attracts mainstream liberal listeners and the so-called dirtbag left while provoking conservative outrage.
  3. She directs unusually harsh contempt at evangelicals, openly dismissing their faith in language that seems uniquely tolerated from a major media figure.

Against All Enemies

Unpopular Front • 150 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Presidential politics Military Governance Public Opinion
  1. The current military action lacks a clear strategy or legal rationale, and leadership looks impulsive and unfocused, making outcomes unpredictable.
  2. Domestic failures and a turn toward neocon influence are pushing risky foreign adventures as a way to distract from problems at home, but there’s no real effort to win public support.
  3. The campaign appears materially unsustainable — interceptors and munitions are being depleted and even friendly forces have been lost to errors — raising a serious risk of prolonged escalation.

The Saturday Read: Ranks of the state

The Saturday Read • 379 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Opinion Policy Analysis
  1. Keir Starmer's Labour government has faced challenges and criticism in its first 100 days. Many people feel disappointed and distrustful of politicians, leading to low voter turnout.
  2. Morgan McSweeney, the new chief of staff, is expected to bring fresh ideas and help create a clearer direction for the government, particularly after recent scandals.
  3. Rachel Reeves's upcoming Budget is expected to be crucial for Labour's future. It could reshape the party's political strategy and address economic issues facing the country.

An Excellent Means of Electioneering

Looking Through the Past • 178 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Voting History Advertising Political culture
  1. Political posters have played a crucial role in campaigning since the 19th century. They were used to quickly catch voters' attention and communicate key messages.
  2. The artwork on these posters often included historical references, emotional imagery, and symbols to appeal to voters. This made them both informative and visually striking.
  3. As technology improved, the design of campaign posters evolved, leading to more colorful and complex images. This innovation mirrored the way political messages became more sophisticated over time.

Iran: We're Ending Taxpayer-Funded Appeasement

OpenTheBooks Substack • 263 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Sanctions Foreign Aid Government spending Terrorism
  1. Taxpayer-funded policies sent large financial benefits to Iran that helped fund its proxies, and that practice must end.
  2. Foreign aid has been disjointed and sometimes funded wasteful or ideologically driven projects, so aid should be more strategic and focused on effective priorities.
  3. Any country receiving U.S. security or economic assistance should publish a real-time, searchable database of government spending so taxpayers can verify use and demand accountability.

Turnabout Is Fair Play

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Supply Chain Environmental Policy International relations Trade policy
  1. Rare earth elements, especially neodymium, are crucial for the electric vehicle and wind energy industries. These materials are used in high-performance magnets that power modern technologies.
  2. China currently has a strong grip on the global supply of rare earths, using this leverage in its economic dealings. This situation highlights the irony of China’s reliance on coal even as it promotes green energy.
  3. The US is making significant investments to reduce its dependency on China for rare earths. There’s potential for the US to utilize its coal resources to help close the gap in rare earth production.

MAGA is an ‘identity-centred’ political form - take it seriously

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Identity Foreign Policy National Security Populism Party Politics Governance
  1. MAGA is best seen as an identity-centred political form rather than a single coherent ideology, and it now dominates large parts of the US government and a significant portion of the population.
  2. MAGA treats many other countries and groups as an out-group, which shows up in policies like tariffs on allies, threats to NATO partners, and outreach to hostile actors.
  3. Its strength comes from deep human cognitive, affective, and social dynamics, making it emotionally powerful, resilient, and a major influence on national security and international relations.

Huang Frankenstein

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Integrity Authoritarianism AI Ethics Political Ideologies Economic Policy
  1. Some technologists believe they can create a world where people aren't needed, which raises concerns about everyone's role in society.
  2. There is a mindset that defines a person's value mainly by their monetary contribution, ignoring the importance of art and idealism.
  3. Political and technological systems should serve people, ensuring their safety and happiness, rather than just focusing on control and profit.

Florida Leading the Way on Taxes

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy State Politics Public Finance Fiscal policy Political Campaigns Government spending
  1. Florida has moved to eliminate nearly all property taxes, leaving only taxes that fund schools.
  2. High property taxes can be a heavy burden for homeowners, prompting comparisons to paying 'rent to the government' and motivating people to move to lower-tax states.
  3. A State Treasurer candidate supports adopting Florida’s approach, cutting government size and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse to reduce taxes and increase personal freedom.

Citizen Musk

Robert Reich • 32331 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Rhetoric Media influence Wealth Inequality Democracy
  1. Elon Musk has been spreading misinformation about immigration and voting laws, similar to Trump's tactics.
  2. Musk's massive influence and control over Twitter (X) pose a threat to democracy and accountability.
  3. The concentration of wealth in individuals like Musk can be dangerous for democracy by allowing them to evade consequences and manipulate public opinion.

No I will not take the high road

Disaffected Newsletter • 3816 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Conservatism Liberalism Public Discourse Political strategy
  1. Some people want outspoken others to stay quiet, but those who speak the truth shouldn't feel pressured to do so. It's okay to point out uncomfortable truths.
  2. Many believe that focusing on policies is more important than discussing someone's personal life, but that view can ignore important realities. Voters might care more about the messiness of real life than some think.
  3. People who ask others to stay quiet might not support those who speak up when they see injustice. It's important to recognize those who are truly supportive versus those who just want to avoid confrontation.

The EU Parliament's right-wing 'Venezuela coalition'

Gulf Stream Blues • 79 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political alliances Far-right Immigration
  1. The center-right European Peoples Party (EPP) is leaning towards the far-right, creating a coalition despite previous promises to avoid such alliances.
  2. A recent controversial vote awarded the Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition leaders, showing the growing collaboration between the EPP and far-right parties.
  3. There's concern that if the EPP continues forming alliances with the far right, it could lead to a stronger right-wing coalition in the European Parliament.

Trump starts to break things

Noahpinion • 74295 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Tariffs Trade Relations Political Analysis International relations
  1. Trump's new tariffs on Canada and Mexico could raise prices for American consumers. These tariffs might hurt people's wallets and lead to higher costs for everyday goods.
  2. The tariffs may disrupt American manufacturers' supply chains, making it harder for them to compete. This could lower the production efficiency of U.S. companies that rely on imports from these countries.
  3. There is uncertainty about the impact of these tariffs on trade relations. If Trump keeps them in place, it could harm relationships with allies and create economic instability.

We Filed for Nevada State Treasurer

Points And Figures • 399 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns State Politics Party Politics Voter Registration Campaign Finance
  1. Filing for statewide office in Nevada is a quick, mostly digital process: make an online appointment, pay a $200 cash fee, complete the forms, and have them notarized.
  2. Filing early removes surprises and opens the door to endorsements, while also kicking off fundraising and reporting—so volunteers and even small donations really matter.
  3. This midterm is framed as a critical moment for Nevada, urging support for Republican candidates (especially reelecting the governor) and asking right-leaning independents to re-register and turn out to vote.

The Jeffrey Epstein Saga is the Worst-Reported Story of All Time

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5063 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Legal Cases Scandals Partisanship Investigations Conspiracy Theories
  1. News coverage of the Epstein case is deeply flawed and often prints easily debunked claims. That bad reporting has helped fuel conspiracy theories embraced across the political spectrum.
  2. Reporters frequently leave out inconvenient facts—like questionable witness claims, legal details, and weak evidence—and instead amplify sensational, unproven allegations. This creates a false narrative that overstates connections to famous people and intelligence services.
  3. The release of more documents will trigger fresh media frenzy and political spin, but the records are unlikely to prove the most dramatic conspiracies. Even if evidence is thin, the myth is likely to persist and be remembered as a lasting false legend.

Escalation Weekend: Three Days of Confrontations Between ICE and Protesters in Minnesota

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2975 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Protests Civil Rights Federal Government Public Safety
  1. A large federal ICE operation in Minneapolis was expanded after an ICE agent shot and killed a protester, bringing hundreds more agents and sharply raising tensions.
  2. Protest tactics varied from a traditional march to mobile groups that trailed ICE to make noise and warn people, creating a gray area between protected protest and confrontational action.
  3. ICE agents, often face-covered, closely watched and judged protesters’ behavior, and those enforcement decisions helped produce multiple tense confrontations over the weekend.