The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Black Gold: The Curse of Covert Science

ᴋʟᴀᵾs • 235 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Agencies
  1. High-profile individuals have lived double lives and the public has shown little interest in uncovering the truth.
  2. Some academics have engaged in unethical actions for funding, as seen in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
  3. There is a pattern of disregard for public interest in the name of national security, leading to lack of transparency and potential corruption.

Friday Funnies: Its Franklin's New Day!

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Media Critique Culture war Elections Political Figures Military Affairs
  1. A public official shared altered, violent-themed images of the children's character Franklin, and the book publisher publicly condemned the unauthorized use as contradicting the character’s values, sparking media backlash.
  2. The post blends satire, memes, and partisan commentary by praising political figures like Vice President Vance and attributing credit for recent election outcomes while ridiculing opponents’ outrage.
  3. Sustained online pressure and support from colleagues helped secure the rehiring of Dr. Kirk Milhoan, illustrating how community advocacy can influence employment decisions.

The horseshoe theory of law

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Legal analysis
  1. The Fifth Circuit's order in the Louisiana redistricting litigation showcases a convergence in judicial approaches between very conservative and very progressive judges, illustrating what can be termed as the horseshoe theory of jurisprudence.
  2. The previous style of progressive judging, exhibited by judges like Stephen Reinhardt and Harry Pregerson, often involved ruling on grounds not argued by parties, relying on personal sense of justice as established law, and taking extraordinary measures for desired outcomes.
  3. The Fifth Circuit's recent mandamus order reflects principles commonly associated with progressive judges, such as ruling sua sponte, viewing the Supreme Court as an antagonist, and deciding issues with a primary goal of advancing personal vision of justice.

IMPACT: PAUL, ERNST ADVANCE ROYALTY TRANSPARENCY ACT, ACKNOWLEDGE OPEN THE BOOKS

OpenTheBooks Substack • 172 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Public Health Transparency Politics
  1. Senator Rand Paul is pushing for the Royalty Transparency Act to reveal secret royalty payments in healthcare. This act aims to show how much money changes hands between the government and pharmaceutical companies.
  2. The NIH has made billions in royalty payments to its scientists, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. People deserve to know who benefits financially from public health decisions.
  3. The Royalty Transparency Act would require more honesty about financial dealings in the health sector. It’s important for the public to understand the interests behind the scientific advice they receive.

The Woes of Oakland: Homelessness

The Discourse Lounge • 1595 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Housing policy Public Services
  1. Oakland's homelessness crisis is a result of underproduction of housing compared to job growth in the region.
  2. Crime in Oakland is influenced by factors like homicide, organized criminal groups, reckless drivers, and homelessness.
  3. Oakland struggles to address homelessness due to financial constraints, dependency on neighboring cities, and lack of resources.
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Who Were the ‘We the People’ Back in 1787?: Race, Law, & Original Constitutional Sin

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Race Law History Politics
  1. The concept of 'We the People' in the U.S. Constitution originally referred mainly to white citizens, with racial exclusion being a key part of that history.
  2. Some legal arguments today echo past ideas about racial citizenship, questioning who is included in the legal definitions set by the Constitution.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the historical voting rights of free Black men during the time of the Constitution's ratification, showing complexities in understanding who had a voice back then.

the woketopian singularity

bad cattitude • 194 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Election Trends Public Opinion Party Dynamics Policy Analysis
  1. Leftist ideas are struggling as people see them as unrealistic and harmful. Many believe that these ideas ignore common sense and reality.
  2. The Democratic Party is losing support from key voter groups due to their extreme positions and inability to connect with everyday concerns. This could lead to a serious decline in their electoral success.
  3. Self-destructive behavior within the party makes it hard for them to engage with others. Many members are so focused on opposing others that they can't offer positive solutions.

Was Epstein an Israeli intelligence agent?

Michael Tracey • 63 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Legislation Political Figures Media influence Public Opinion
  1. Trump's shifting stance on the Epstein issue shows he sees it as a political distraction that could hurt him. He wants Republicans to focus on other topics rather than to have the Epstein connection constantly brought up.
  2. Even though Trump initially opposed Epstein-related legislation, he later urged Republicans to support it to avoid being labeled as protecting 'pedophiles.' This shows how politics can shift based on public perception.
  3. There are concerns about transparency regarding Epstein's files, especially as certain legal groups may have financial incentives to limit disclosure. Some lawmakers involved seem to rely heavily on biased sources for information about these files.

Dingus of the week: “A big beautiful bill”

Men Yell at Me • 301 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Finding humor in tough situations can help us cope and maintain our sanity. Laughter can take the power out of serious issues.
  2. Sometimes, government actions seem silly or harmful, like cutting essential services to save money. It's important to recognize the real impact of these choices.
  3. Good news can still happen amidst the bad, like legal wins for marginalized groups and positive changes in work-life balance. Celebrating these wins is important.

On Enjoying Election Year Halloween

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Commentary Political History Political culture Public Opinion
  1. Halloween is often overlooked during election years, and it's important to still enjoy it. Taking a break from serious politics can help people relax and have fun.
  2. Political discussions can sometimes be intense and stressful, but it's good to remember that elections are just one part of the bigger picture. People should engage in debates but not take everything so seriously.
  3. There's a noticeable audience demographic that engages with politicians differently, often balancing mainstream views with personal desires. This group can significantly influence future political trends.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the boys and men party

Of Boys and Men • 465 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Education Gender Issues Economic Policy
  1. Governors are starting to focus on the challenges young men face today. They are discussing issues like housing and education that especially impact young men.
  2. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted specific gender gaps in home buying and education in her recent speech. She plans to take action to help increase men's participation in higher education.
  3. This is a significant move from a female leader known for advocating women's rights. It shows that improving opportunities for both genders is important and not a competition.

Kellie-Jay Keen's coming back to New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Politics Free speech Civil Rights Activism Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen is returning to New Zealand for a court case related to an incident where juice was thrown on her at a rally. This case is set for September 20.
  2. The person charged, Eli Rubashkyn, has faced criticism for his actions at the rally, where he pretended to have different views to get close to Kellie-Jay. His court appearance is expected to draw attention.
  3. There are growing concerns in New Zealand about policies affecting single-sex spaces, as some believe these changes impact women's rights and safety.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Documentary
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

why the media is becoming absurd

bad cattitude • 223 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism Political Activism Public Opinion Journalism Ethics Attention Economy
  1. Media is losing relevance and is resorting to extreme and silly headlines to grab attention. It's like they're shouting for help but are only getting ignored.
  2. The rise of new media, driven by everyday people, is replacing traditional journalism. This new approach focuses more on trust and real conversations.
  3. To help improve media quality, we should stop engaging with the ridiculous content. By not clicking on that nonsense, we can encourage better reporting.

The OpenAI-American Media Merger Is Now Complete

The Algorithmic Bridge • 254 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence AI Regulation Public Trust Journalism Ethics
  1. OpenAI has become deeply integrated into the American media landscape by forming partnerships with various news companies. This suggests that AI is playing a bigger role in how news is produced and shared.
  2. There's a concern about whether the mainstream media can remain unbiased now that they are closely tied to AI companies like OpenAI. This raises questions about the integrity of news coverage.
  3. Many major media outlets, including the New York Times, have made deals with AI companies, which could influence their reporting. This interconnectedness between media and tech could shape the future of both industries.

New Zealand Police and the TQ+ influence

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Civil Rights Law enforcement Gender Issues Activism
  1. The police in New Zealand were criticized for not intervening during a rally where women felt threatened. This raised concerns about their priorities and decision-making.
  2. There seems to be a growing focus within the police force on diversity, particularly regarding transgender issues. This goes alongside a noticeable lack of representation for other groups, like ethnic communities.
  3. Training for police includes a push for certain language regarding gender identities. This has sparked debate about the impact on women's rights and safety.

From CIA station chief to AI chatbots to Trump-adjacent lobbying

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 529 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Intelligence Technology Foreign Policy National Security
  1. Enrique de la Torre, a former CIA station chief, has now joined a lobbying firm with ties to the Trump administration. This shows a trend of government officials moving to private sector roles.
  2. De la Torre criticized the CIA's new AI system for profiling world leaders, calling it inadequate compared to his ideas. This highlights ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of technology in government work.
  3. His views on U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America, suggest he will push for strong stances against countries like Cuba and Venezuela in his new role. This aligns with certain hawkish perspectives in U.S. politics.

Pentagon confirms erasure of Project Maven-related contract records

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 712 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Surveillance Legislation National Security
  1. The Pentagon deleted public records of a $200 million AI surveillance contract called Project Maven, raising concerns about transparency.
  2. They justified this erasure by citing national security rules that allow withholding information from public databases.
  3. Some agencies, like the CIA, are exempt from certain federal procurement regulations, making it unclear how broadly these rules are applied.

OSD 358: Our favorite OSD essays from 2025

Open Source Defense • 24 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Law enforcement National Security Civil Liberties Gun Policy Technology
  1. Building tech for government can improve legitimate public services, but it often ends up empowering surveillance and coercive powers instead of the right functions.
  2. There’s clear room for civilian-defense innovation, from better home‑defense solutions to alternatives that could replace or improve on guns, and startups should pursue those gaps.
  3. With the NFA tax stamp effectively eliminated, suppressors, short‑barreled rifles, and AOWs will likely become much more common, quickly reshaping markets and how people equip themselves.

How to fix The Observer

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism News Public Opinion Civic engagement
  1. The Observer is facing a potential sale that many staff members oppose, fearing it goes against its founding values. 93% of the voting staff are in favor of striking against the sale.
  2. There's a debate about whether the sale could actually help The Observer, despite the backlash. Some believe it might lead to a better future for the outlet.
  3. The situation highlights the struggles within traditional media and raises questions about its future in the digital age. It's an important moment for both journalists and media consumers.

Free Money

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding Economic Policy Political Ideologies Income Inequality Education reform
  1. Many people wrongly believe that money from the government is free and doesn't have really costs associated with it. Government money actually comes from taxpayers, and there's no such thing as a free lunch.
  2. Loans and financial incentives, like student loan forgiveness, can create bad economic expectations and lead to bigger problems down the road. When the government gives money without a clear plan to pay it back, it burdens future generations.
  3. There are better solutions for improving education and the economy, like school choice and reducing government involvement in funding. Allowing the market to dictate provides more opportunities and encourages personal responsibility.

Why is Musk-Trump the "Mump Regime"?

Thinking about... • 578 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Public Health Elections
  1. The 'Mump regime' is a term used to describe the influence of Elon Musk and Donald Trump together. This new name suggests that Musk's role is more significant than Trump's, especially considering Musk's wealth and power.
  2. Health and democracy are connected, and the rise of the Mump regime may threaten public health initiatives, like vaccination. This could lead to increased illness and instability in society.
  3. The terms 'mumpers' and 'mumpets' help us understand who actively supports the Mump regime versus those who passively follow. This new vocabulary allows for clearer conversations about politics today.

My presentation in November's webinar for Women's Declaration International - Australia & New Zealand.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Legal rights Public Policy Social justice
  1. A recent decision by the Christchurch City Council allows men who identify as women to access women-only spaces, which has raised concerns among some women about their safety and privacy.
  2. Although the Council claims they prioritize equitable access and safety, they have not consulted with groups opposing this policy, leading to feelings of being disregarded.
  3. There are calls for more transparency and feedback mechanisms to better understand the impact of such policies on women and to ensure women's voices are heard.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education reform Freedom of Speech Social media Public Policy Higher education
  1. We need to make big tech companies more open about how they control what we see online. It's important for users to understand how decisions are made about content.
  2. There's hope for improving free speech in colleges, thanks to changes in culture and organizations pushing for reform. College leaders have a critical role in shaping this positive change.
  3. The current problems in education can be traced back to how ideas have been taught in schools. We might need to rethink who we trust in academia and lift up the better thinkers.

"Daddy" Just Accelerated The Killing Of Ukrainians

Phillips’s Newsletter • 230 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Trump Era Military Aid European Relations
  1. Trump's recent meeting with Zelensky raised false hopes for Ukraine's aid, but it led to disappointments. Many believed he would help, but actions showed otherwise.
  2. The U.S. is cutting crucial military aid to Ukraine, which makes it harder for them to defend against Russian attacks. This decision could lead to more Ukrainian casualties.
  3. Europe could pressure the U.S. to provide more support for Ukraine by only buying American weapons if they are also sent to Ukraine. This requires confidence and strategy from European leaders.

Sunday Strip: The Limited Hangout

Who is Robert Malone • 34 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Intelligence Legislation Civil Rights Media Child welfare Scandals
  1. Congress inserted broad redaction powers into law, which lets the government conceal potentially compromising involvement and allows politicians to avoid accountability for their role in that setup.
  2. Pride symbols and rainbow imagery are being placed in child-focused spaces like cartoons and events, and the piece claims this is intentional marketing aimed at attracting or grooming children.
  3. Many politicians are accused of hypocrisy for creating the redaction rules that protect their allies while later blaming others like the DOJ when those protections are used.

The rich are controlling our government

The Novelleist • 608 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaign Finance Political Influence Wealth Inequality
  1. Wealthy individuals and organizations have a lot of control over politicians through campaign donations. This creates a system where elected officials might favor the interests of their donors over the general public.
  2. Dark money in politics makes it hard to track where campaign funding comes from, which gives even more power to wealthy donors. This lack of transparency can lead to policies that mainly benefit the rich.
  3. To change this system, we can either amend laws to limit corporate donations or create grassroots movements to support independent candidates. Building a political party that truly represents the public, not just the wealthy, is essential for a fairer democracy.

Lessons on birth rates: Japan and South Korea

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Policy Economics Social Issues International relations
  1. South Korea's birth rate has slightly increased, from 0.72 to 0.75. This small rise gives some hope to policymakers about slowing the country's declining population.
  2. Japan faces a significant demographic challenge with low birth rates, which impacts its economy and society. This situation highlights the importance of addressing demographic decline.
  3. Both countries show that while it’s tough, there can be small improvements in birth rates. Understanding what works in one country may help others tackle similar issues.

The MAGA meltdown; Mamdani's Rainbow Coalition; Remembering Tatsuya Nakadai

Unpopular Front • 53 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Commentary Right-wing Politics Antisemitism Media Analysis
  1. The MAGA coalition seems to be falling apart, with some internal conflicts highlighted recently. There are discussions about how this division might affect their political ideas and alliances.
  2. There is ongoing debate about antisemitism within the right-wing communities. Some individuals claim that skepticism towards Israel doesn't equate to hatred of Jews.
  3. A controversial figure recently made public remarks suggesting that certain Jewish intellectuals deserve negative treatment from extremist groups. This highlights the tension and dangerous rhetoric surrounding antisemitism in current political conversations.

Left Wing Authoritarians

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Social justice Personality Traits Political Psychology Culture Wars
  1. Some researchers are finding that authoritarian traits can be present in left-wing groups, not just right-wing ones. This challenges the common view that authoritarianism is only a right-wing issue.
  2. There is a difference between being politely formal and genuinely respectful. Some people use formal politeness to disguise their condescension and social judgment.
  3. The conversation touches on the reality of mortality and the challenges people face when dealing with death and funerals, especially in a financial context.

American Governance Is Not Corrupt Enough

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 487 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Regulation Governance Political Commentary Development
  1. Corruption can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, like faster project approvals. In some cases, letting officials profit from development could actually help communities grow and thrive.
  2. Many politicians aren't as wealthy as people think, and there's little evidence of widespread corruption in government. The average net worth of Congress members isn't that much higher than that of other Americans their age.
  3. Regulations and red tape can hinder progress and development. Sometimes, relaxing those restrictions can lead to better results for society, even if it means embracing a bit of 'good' corruption.

assessing the los angeles ICEcapades

bad cattitude • 246 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Media Governance Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Many people are frustrated with the way media portrays protests and riots, often downplaying violence. This makes it hard to trust what we see on TV.
  2. There's a feeling that immigration issues and safety are being ignored or mishandled by those in power, leading to unrest. People want clear solutions and accountability.
  3. A lot of folks are tired of political games and want straightforward discussions about issues affecting their communities. They hope for real change, not just protests for the sake of media attention.

Will the last young professional to leave Britain turn off the lights?

Wrong Side of History • 584 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Social Welfare Immigration Youth Issues Economic Inequality
  1. Housing costs in London are extremely high, making it hard for young professionals to afford living there.
  2. There's a growing concern about social housing being allocated to newcomers, which complicates the housing situation for local residents.
  3. Many young, skilled people are thinking about leaving Britain because they feel the current systems aren't working for them and they aren't getting enough support.

Top Links 645 Trump's assault on the North American division of labour continued. How the eurdollar system works. North Korea's aerial trash bombardment & FDR on the Arsenal of Democracy.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics International relations Political Analysis
  1. Trump is pushing for tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, which could affect the US economy. It's important to know that the US relies a lot on imported aluminium.
  2. The eurdollar system is explained, which is key for understanding international finance. It plays a significant role in global trade and economics.
  3. North Korea is using aerial trash bombardment as a tactic, highlighting serious issues of conflict. This kind of action reflects the ongoing tensions in the region.

Why is America "Trumpomuskovia"?

Thinking about... • 603 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Elections Oligarchy Authoritarianism Governance
  1. America is becoming like a new regime called 'Trumpomuskovia,' which highlights how the country's leadership is increasingly unstable and personal, mainly focusing on figures like Trump and Musk.
  2. The term connects to Russia and suggests that the U.S. is influenced by oligarchs, reflecting a shift where money and personal power outweigh democratic processes.
  3. This new system is unstable, meaning it could collapse easily. The relationships between powerful figures like Trump and Musk could change quickly, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

Does the Federal Reserve Deserve Deference as a Bank Regulator? Kevin Warsh Says "No"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Economic History Political Economy
  1. Kevin Warsh believes the Federal Reserve should not have authority over bank regulation and should defer to the Treasury instead. This raises questions about what role the Fed really should play in the financial system.
  2. Historically, the U.S. economy has struggled during banking crises due to a lack of a strong central bank. Events like the Panic of 1907 highlighted the need for a central authority to manage financial stability.
  3. The effectiveness of the Federal Reserve hinges on its ability to monitor and regulate banks. Without this oversight, its role as a lender of last resort becomes less effective, suggesting bank regulation is crucial to the Fed's mission.