The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Notes On the Great Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Social Change Corporate Policy Identity politics
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in company policies, with many businesses moving away from diversity and inclusion initiatives since Trump's second win. This suggests that leaders now feel free to express their true beliefs.
  2. Unlike in previous elections, Trump's return has not sparked widespread outrage or resistance, showing a possible acceptance from even his opponents. People are more willing to see him as a leader they can work with.
  3. This change in culture not only affects American workplaces but also extends internationally, with global leaders now more eager to engage with Trump than oppose him. It marks a return to more traditional values in politics and business.

Assholes get featured on the front page

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Media Critique Public Discourse Social Commentary
  1. Sometimes, people who seem really nice can actually be rude without using bad words. It's important to see through polite language to recognize the disrespect behind it.
  2. Veiled aggression can be sneaky, so we should be careful about how we interpret someone’s words even if they sound nice.
  3. Not everyone deserves respect just because they act civil; true respect should come from genuine kindness and honesty.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political theory Management Regulation
  1. A government that does a few things well is better than one that tries to do many things poorly. When the government gets involved in too many areas, it often struggles to manage them effectively.
  2. The federal government acts like a big, clumsy business conglomerate. It has overlapping agencies and goals that conflict, making it hard to oversee and improve its work.
  3. When considering government interventions, we should expect them to be less effective than planned. This means we should rethink how much we ask the government to do and focus on making sure it does a few things really well.

December 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 31 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Church-state Religious freedom Founding era Civil Liberties Political Rhetoric
  1. The United States was not founded as a Christian nation; the Constitution’s First Amendment forbids the government from establishing or favoring a religion.
  2. Founders like Madison, Jefferson, and Washington argued that separating church and state protected individual conscience and was essential to preserving representative government.
  3. Efforts to fuse government with a particular religion — from Confederate rhetoric to later amendment movements — have repeatedly threatened democracy by allowing a religious minority to try to impose its will.

Follow the Money...

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 378 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Public Schools School choice Public funding Privatization
  1. The topic of school funding can lead to hateful and extreme rhetoric, especially from those pushing for privatization of public schools.
  2. There is a concerted effort by certain groups to defund public schools and redirect funds to private, often unaccountable institutions.
  3. Extreme rhetoric against public school advocates is often driven by profit-seeking individuals and politicians, rather than genuine concern for children's education.
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I got banned from BlueSky for committing wrongthink

The Dossier • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social media Political Activism Censorship Political parties
  1. BlueSky was created to be a platform for free speech, but it has turned into a space for strict censorship and only allows certain political views.
  2. Users can be banned quickly for expressing unpopular opinions, showing that the platform may not truly support diverse ideas.
  3. The experience on BlueSky can be chaotic and filled with extreme viewpoints, making it feel unsafe for those with different beliefs.

Twitter-why?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Rights Censorship Public Discourse LGBTQ+ Issues
  1. Twitter denied reinstating an account multiple times, claiming it incited violence against marginalized communities. The account owner insists this accusation is false and calls for fair treatment.
  2. The account has lost significant funding from Patreon, impacting its ability to promote their show and causing financial strain.
  3. The owner expresses frustration with Twitter's lack of communication and transparency, emphasizing the importance of truth and fair treatment in online platforms.

Mailbag #4, Plus Update on Tuesday Event

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 292 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Public Discourse Civic engagement Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. There is an event happening in DC on Tuesday with notable guests, and tickets are still available.
  2. The author is doing a Q&A mailbag, where anyone can ask questions but only paid subscribers will get answers.
  3. Questions will be prioritized based on likes from readers, but the author won't answer questions that have been previously discussed.

READING: Harriett Martineau Observes the Court of President Andrew Jackson in Washington DC in the Early 1830s

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Society Culture Political theory
  1. Harriet Martineau's observations give a unique view of early 19th-century America, focusing on the gap between ideals and reality in politics.
  2. She highlights the diversity and complexity of Washington, D.C. society while also noting the tensions surrounding power and privilege.
  3. Martineau's critical perspective reveals both admiration for American democracy and concerns about exclusions and contradictions within it.

Top Links 631 US labour market churn in historical perspective. The decline of retail jobs. Writhing Leviathans & the business of deportation.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Market Economic Policy Employment Trends Social Issues Migration policy
  1. The US labor market has seen a lot of changes over time, with many people switching jobs frequently.
  2. Retail jobs are declining, which impacts many workers and the economy.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the business of deportation, highlighting important social issues.

Hope For A Deal between Nippon Steel and the Steelworkers Union Before Election Day

Japan Economy Watch • 159 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election National Security Legislation Foreign Relations Trade
  1. There is hope for a deal between Nippon Steel and the Steelworkers Union before Election Day to avoid national security issues and ease political tensions.
  2. Election year politics heavily influence decisions, with implications for US-Japan relations and national security.
  3. Challenges exist in making the deal, including union concerns about potential job losses and the need for guarantees, but both sides are working towards a resolution.

Discomforting Political Admiration

The Joyous Struggle • 375 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Interview Policy Podcast Democracy
  1. The author examines their admiration for a conservative thinker, Rory Stewart, despite their own social democratic background, highlighting the complexity of political views and personal beliefs.
  2. Rory Stewart's unique blend of experiences, from academia to politics to charitable work, offers valuable insights that challenge traditional political boundaries and encourage reevaluation of societal values.
  3. The interview with Rory Stewart reflects a broader shift in political discourse, exploring contrasts between old and new political ideologies, unveiling tensions between incremental change and the need for more profound societal transformation.

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

In My Tribe • 592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Health care Civil Rights Political theory Social Issues
  1. Education systems were designed mainly to instill obedience and maintain social order, rather than to promote skills.
  2. Some cancer screening guidelines avoid discussing life expectancy, potentially putting patients at risk due to a lack of difficult conversations about their health.
  3. David Brooks argues that elite college admissions based on cognitive ability have created a new class society, but fails to recognize the moral arrogance and biases in the current system.

The Law of Trump - Part II

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law First Amendment Speech Political Campaigns
  1. The First Amendment is being challenged by the unique case of Trump's statements, requiring the creation of new laws governing his speech.
  2. The court faces challenges in determining the risks justifying a gag order and in assessing the evidence and mental state of Trump's statements.
  3. Trump's political speech blurs the line between protected speech and intimidating behavior, posing challenges for traditional legal analysis.

Maximum Progress on Progressivism

Bet On It • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Philosophy Media Critique Wokeness
  1. Michael Huemer's book, Progressive Myths, offers a clear look at popular beliefs around social issues. He tackles topics like racism and sexism with an emphasis on understanding facts over ideology.
  2. The book encourages readers to question politically charged information and be more skeptical of what they hear. It stresses the importance of looking for objective truths instead of simply aligning with one side of the debate.
  3. Huemer concludes that understanding the truth about complex issues is crucial for avoiding myths that can arise in society. His approach aims to help readers think critically about controversial topics, helping them navigate media bias.

A Surgical Safe Space

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Social Issues Government Public Debate
  1. Josh had a nice and normal talk with younger people, showing that understanding can bridge age gaps.
  2. New laws in Vermont could lead to serious problems for children's safety, raising concerns about their welfare.
  3. Research suggests that boys with gender identity issues might have mothers with certain personality disorders, hinting at complex family dynamics.

Decapitation Strike (December)

Thinking about... • 582 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Policy Making Political theory
  1. Trump's proposed appointments seem surprising but may be part of a larger plan to undermine the government. It's important to recognize this and not just react with shock.
  2. Health and law are vital for a democratic society. Appointing people who threaten health and the rule of law could damage the country significantly.
  3. Historical patterns show that control over key areas like defense and intelligence can lead to regime change. The individuals Trump chose have backgrounds that suggest they might weaken American institutions and empower personal agendas.

Odds and Ends #46: The transformation of London's skyline, a big week for nuclear, and installing software updates in Antarctica

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Transportation Energy Infrastructure Government
  1. London's skyline has changed a lot over the past 30 years, showing how cities can evolve over time.
  2. This week was significant for nuclear energy, but its implications could affect the future power landscape.
  3. Patching software in Antarctica is a unique challenge due to the extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of tech even in remote places.

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Health Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

Why Trump Is Obsessed with the Panama Canal

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 463 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Foreign Relations Elections National Security
  1. Trump has a strong belief that China is gaining control over the Panama Canal, which he thinks is a serious issue for the U.S.
  2. He often reminds people that the U.S. built and owned the canal before it was handed over to Panama.
  3. Some political figures are starting to take Trump's concerns seriously, discussing actions that could be taken regarding the canal's operations.

Remembering the Time Samantha Bee Tried to Steer $50,000 to Elizabeth Warren’s Campaign but It Didn’t Work

I Might Be Wrong • 18 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Fundraising Political media Democratic Party
  1. A 2019 Full Frontal app tried to gamify primary donations and seemed designed to steer $50,000 to Elizabeth Warren, but the idea was goofy and badly thought out.
  2. Andrew Yang’s online supporters gamed the app and won the $50,000, which went to a campaign that soon dropped out and barely remembered the payout.
  3. Political-comedy stunts are mostly publicity plays that rarely change real-world outcomes, and late-night shows can drift into partisan activism while overstating their influence.

"Leave Us Alone" as a Political Philosophy

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 373 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Philosophy Freedom Rights Constitution
  1. Early Americans created a government to protect individual rights and promote freedom
  2. The political philosophy of post-founding America aimed for self-government and minimal government intervention
  3. Antebellum Americans believed in leaving individuals alone, minimal government regulation, and wealth redistribution was seen as immoral

NSA FOIA Submitted

FOIA Around And Find Out • 373 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government National Security Research Privacy
  1. Research suggests more transparency is needed regarding activities at the NSA, including possible Russian involvement from 2015-2016.
  2. Exploration of the involvement of individuals like Rodney Joffe in government data programs is an intriguing avenue of inquiry.
  3. FOIA requests have been resubmitted for records related to various entities that appear to have connections to US Intelligence and potential data collection activities.

The Phantom Campaign

Thinking about... • 611 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns Disinformation Media influence Voting behavior
  1. Manipulative ads can sway voters by showing misleading information. These ads can create confusion and push people towards apathy about voting.
  2. Techniques used in past campaigns, like targeted propaganda, are still being used today. This has affected people's perceptions and discourages them from participating in elections.
  3. We should be aware of how powerful individuals influence our political views. With their resources, they can distort information and impact the democratic process in harmful ways.

The polls are close, but that doesn’t mean the results will be

Silver Bulletin • 666 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Candidates Forecasting
  1. Polls show a very tight race, but this doesn't guarantee a close election outcome. Both candidates could end up winning by a larger margin than the polls suggest.
  2. Polling errors can happen in either direction, making the election unpredictable. Even a small error could lead to a surprising result on election day.
  3. The focus should be on battleground states, as those will ultimately determine the winner regardless of national polls. The voting patterns in these key areas could lead to differing results from the national poll averages.

Marc Andreessen on His Intellectual Journey

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 533 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Ideologies Social movements Elite influence
  1. In 2016, major political events made many people, including Marc, rethink how they understand both the left and right sides of politics. It showed that the way people behave in politics can change in surprising ways.
  2. There's a debate about whether people's actions are driven more by their ideas or by their interests. Sometimes people's emotions take charge, and they move in a certain direction, which then influences the ideas that follow.
  3. We need a new understanding of what it means to be part of an elite class. New leaders should focus on results and unite people instead of dividing them along political lines.

Weekend Update #138: Do Not Forget About Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 227 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Defense Strategy International relations Human Rights
  1. Ukraine is facing severe attacks from Russia, with Kyiv experiencing one of its deadliest assaults recently. The world seems to be forgetting about Ukraine's struggles as other conflicts gain more media attention.
  2. Putin has publicly denied Ukrainian independence and continues to assert Russia's claim over Ukraine. His demands indicate a desire to end Ukraine's existence as a separate nation.
  3. A new strategy from Ukraine suggests that victory may not come from negotiations but by maintaining a resilient state. This means building a strong nation despite ongoing threats and challenges from Russia.

Trump and WWIII

ChinaTalk • 681 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Election Strategy Military Affairs International relations National Security
  1. Trump's foreign policy could increase the risk of conflict. Instead of promoting peace, his approach may lead to war by weakening alliances.
  2. His plans for Ukraine and Taiwan involve risky deals that could encourage aggression from Russia and China. This could make the U.S. less trusted by its allies and more likely to be dragged into a war.
  3. Maintaining a strong military and solid international relationships is key to avoiding World War III. A weak approach to foreign policy might upset the balance of power and lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Why I'm on strike

Read Max • 2502 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Entertainment industry Artificial Intelligence Media industry Labor Movement
  1. The author is on strike from their writing work due to concerns about changing compensation structures and exploitation in the entertainment industry.
  2. The strike aims to protect writers from exploitation by studios and streaming platforms, ensuring fair compensation and job stability.
  3. The Writers Guild of America is specifically addressing the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the writing profession during the negotiations.

The Vices of Nationalism; America in the Longhouse; Revisiting Chomsky on Cambodia

Unpopular Front • 44 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Populism Conservatism Antisemitism Political theory
  1. Nationalism is often presented as a unifying force, but it can lead to exclusion and conflict. There are many historical examples where nationalism has resulted in violence against minorities.
  2. Some theorists, like Yoram Hazony, argue that nationalism, when done right, can be just and beneficial. However, there are concerns that these ideas can inadvertently support extremist views.
  3. The discussions around the growing popularity of nationalist ideas often ignore real-world implications. It's easy to talk about nationalism in theory, but it can have serious consequences in practice.

Congress Fights Back...Against Congress

Can We Still Govern? • 215 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Oversight Trump Legislation
  1. Congressional Republicans are weakening their own institutions to support Trump. This makes it hard for them to check the power of the executive branch.
  2. In the past, Congress has tried to improve its ability to oversee the presidency, but now it seems to be accepting Trump's attacks on their oversight capabilities.
  3. The budget cuts to important analysis groups like the GAO are not about saving money. They are aimed at making it harder for Congress to challenge government actions that don't follow the law.