The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Wikipedia’s Islamist Vandals

American Dreaming • 616 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Misinformation Media influence Historical revisionism Activism
  1. A group of editors has been manipulating Wikipedia pages to make certain groups look better and downplay unpleasant truths, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  2. One major focus of these edits was Hajj Amin al-Husseini, a controversial figure who collaborated with Nazi Germany, with efforts made to hide his negative actions in historical records.
  3. This manipulation of information on Wikipedia shows how easily facts can be distorted online, raising concerns about the reliability of what people read about important historical events.

subverting the dominating paradigm

bad cattitude • 226 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Ideology Cultural critique Social movements Government Control
  1. Many modern movements aim to disrupt stable, successful structures in society. This is often done to create chaos and uncertainty.
  2. One strategy used by some groups is to undermine trust and belief in traditional values, making it easier for them to gain control.
  3. Standing strong in one's beliefs, having resilience, and seeking freedom are important to combat these negative influences.

Blood, soil, and Jeremy Clarkson

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Political Ideologies Protests
  1. Jeremy Clarkson has become a popular voice for UK farmers through his show, Clarkson's Farm, but his views also link to far-right ideas and nationalism.
  2. Many farmers feel undervalued and nostalgic for the past, making them susceptible to far-right populism that blames migrants for their struggles.
  3. Not all farmers share these extreme views, and there are movements working towards a fairer and more sustainable agriculture, showing that positive change is possible.

'Real Women NZ' starts livestreaming on Tuesday 11 April.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Trans issues Public Protests Media influence Activism
  1. A rally in Auckland on March 25 shocked many people, as women faced violence from trans activists. This incident has made more New Zealanders aware of how trans issues can affect women's rights.
  2. The police at the rally didn't help the women and seemed told not to intervene. This has caused outrage and led to conversations about the treatment of women.
  3. A new group called 'Real Women NZ' is forming to give women a platform to speak out. They are starting weekly livestreams to talk about women's issues and to engage with their audience.
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Washington Gets the Full Musk Treatment

Nonzero Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Political parties Administration
  1. A lot of Americans think their government is run by a small group of powerful people. This idea shows concern about inequality in political power.
  2. Elon Musk's approach to leadership involves major cutbacks and challenges to existing processes. This style can lead to significant changes in organizations like the government.
  3. There are growing worries about the safety of AI as the US and China compete for technological dominance. Leaders emphasize that this race could have dangerous consequences.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elites Media Victimhood Political Narrative
  1. People have different biases based on their political views. For example, those on the left focus more on oppression, while those on the right emphasize threats from outsiders.
  2. Elites are often held to higher standards than those challenging them. When elites show arrogance or suppress dissent, they can create backlash against themselves.
  3. It's important for communities to protect themselves against bad actors who misuse the idea of victimhood. Without this protection, those with harmful intentions can take control.

You Should Be More Worried About Trump's Planned Military Purge

Can We Still Govern? • 572 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Leadership Changes
  1. There are worries about a potential military purge that could target senior officers based on their political beliefs rather than their qualifications. This could change the military into a more politically loyal organization.
  2. The criteria for removing these officers includes actions like promoting diversity or participating in discussions about inclusivity, which raises concerns about fairness and the implications for military effectiveness.
  3. This situation might lead to greater politicization of the military, where future leaders may prioritize loyalty to a president over professional merit, potentially harming the military's stability and effectiveness in the long run.

An end to firefighting

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Making Public Sector Crisis Management Organizational Behavior Innovation Strategies
  1. Regular management practices often assume stability, which makes teams weak when unexpected events happen. Instead of relying on these outdated methods, teams should prepare for unpredictability.
  2. To stop 'firefighting', organizations need to adjust their staffing expectations and allow roles to evolve as needed. This helps teams stay adaptable in changing situations.
  3. It's important to make experimentation a part of policymaking. By training teams to test ideas effectively, they can respond better to new challenges and avoid being stuck in old ways.

EXCLUSIVE: As private citizen, Dr. Fauci received $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

OpenTheBooks Substack • 646 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Healthcare Security
  1. Dr. Fauci received $15 million for a security detail funded by taxpayers after retiring. This included things like a chauffeur and law enforcement support.
  2. The agreement for his security was unusual, raising questions about why a private citizen gets this level of protection when others do not.
  3. Fauci's security costs were justified by him, citing threats he's received, but it highlights how taxpayers are often unaware of where their money is going.

Migration, Housing, and Beyond

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Housing Economics Regulation Public Policy
  1. Combining strict housing rules with high immigration leads to higher housing prices. Instead of seeing this as a problem, it should be viewed as a chance to build more housing.
  2. High demand for housing, whether from immigrants or tourists, is a good thing. It creates opportunities for everyone involved, benefiting both new arrivals and local residents.
  3. There are many positive effects of building more housing, such as increased job opportunities and social interactions. These benefits often outweigh any negative impacts.

My Suspension of Disbelief and the Treacherous Two-Tier University of Toronto

Heterodox STEM • 149 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom Social justice Higher education Freedom of Expression Ideological Conflict
  1. Many universities are heavily influenced by social justice ideologies, making it hard for diverse opinions to be discussed. This creates a two-tier system where some views are protected while others are punished.
  2. There is a growing sense among some academics that freedom of expression is under threat in educational institutions. People are afraid to share their thoughts for fear of backlash or punishment.
  3. Despite challenges and potential personal consequences, there are individuals who are committed to standing up for their beliefs. They hope that the current trends will eventually shift and allow for more open dialogue and truth.

Britain is institutionally 'anti-racist'

Wrong Side of History • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Justice Power Morality Policy
  1. Having leaders who share the same values as their people is important for stability. When leaders and citizens have different beliefs, it can create disconnect and distrust.
  2. Some recent cases of sexual abuse show troubling behaviors among those in power. It seems like their priorities are misplaced, focusing on irrelevant factors instead of justice.
  3. There are concerns about how victims are treated based on race. This reflects a serious issue in the justice system where it seems some victims are not given fair treatment.

Democrats Weaponized FBI To Falsely Claim White Supremacists Posed Greater Terror Threat Than Radical Islamists

Public • 528 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Terrorism Government oversight Civil Rights Public Policy
  1. The FBI has claimed that white supremacists are the biggest terrorism threat, but this claim lacks solid evidence. Many believe that radical Islamist violence is actually a bigger concern.
  2. A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans was carried out by someone motivated by radical Islamic beliefs. This incident contradicts the FBI's focus on white supremacy as the main threat.
  3. The government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have consistently highlighted white supremacist violence, raising questions about their motives and the accuracy of their assessments.

Market Segmentation in Housing

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 210 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Real Estate Zoning Laws
  1. Many low-rent apartments are disappearing, as more new buildings are made for high rents rather than affordable options. This means that people are paying more for the same places they used to afford.
  2. Market segmentation in housing is changing. When there's a shortage of affordable homes, families in lower-income units feel pressure to pay more or move, making it hard to find stable housing.
  3. To fix housing costs, building more high-rent apartments might actually help keep people in their current homes, instead of forcing them to downgrade to cheaper places. We need more options for everyone.

learning about athletic gender reality

bad cattitude • 236 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sports Policy Gender Issues Social justice Public Opinion
  1. There is a strong belief that allowing transgender girls to compete in women's sports creates an unfair advantage, as male biology often enhances athletic performance.
  2. Many believe that society is neglecting the rights and achievements of female athletes by allowing trans women to dominate in sports designed for women.
  3. The conversation around gender in sports is seen as a struggle between fairness for female athletes and the recognition of gender identity, leading to calls for separate competitions.

the most important idea in current politics

bad cattitude • 185 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Ideology Voter Behavior Campaign Strategy Public Opinion
  1. Modern politics often focuses on gaining power and influence rather than genuine beliefs or sentiments. This means strategies that seem surprising can be very effective in winning elections.
  2. Many voters, especially younger ones, have developed a view that values distant causes over their own communities. This is often rooted in feelings of self-hatred or guilt, leading them to support candidates that go against their own interests.
  3. There's a trend of candidates winning by appealing to voters' guilt and promoting self-doubt. This can result in policies that are harmful to the very people who support them, creating a cycle of self-destruction in political movements.

Coming to America

Wrong Side of History • 251 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Immigration Social Issues Cultural critique Historical Analysis
  1. Many people feel that guilt from past events influences current decisions, sometimes leading to harmful consequences for future generations.
  2. Diversity and trust are important topics, but there often needs to be more focus on actual studies and facts rather than just personal opinions.
  3. The issue of social housing is complex, and current systems may not be benefiting those they are meant to help, leading to socio-economic challenges.

A simple test to determine whether you have truly lost your mind (and assess the extent of the reversible damage)

Beck of the Pack • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Foreign Relations Corruption
  1. The article discusses the importance of being critical of mainstream media and not allowing oneself to be swayed by false narratives.
  2. There is a focus on recognizing the questionable actions and behaviors of powerful individuals, such as politicians and media personalities.
  3. The writer emphasizes the need for readers to stay informed, question information sources, and be aware of potential brainwashing tactics that can influence perceptions.

SBSQ #22:⚡Lightning Round edition⚡

Silver Bulletin • 188 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political strategy Political Commentary Current Events
  1. The Big Beautiful Bill is seen as harmful for Republicans, despite its potential benefits for some, as people's perceptions and the media's influence matter a lot.
  2. Politicians can make their opponents appear irrational, which can be an effective strategy. This is why some find Zohran Mamdani's politics are causing strong reactions.
  3. Staying focused on how policies affect everyday people is more impactful than getting sidetracked by cultural debates.

Just Say Thank You and Shut Up

Phillips’s Newsletter • 413 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trumpism Democracy Foreign Policy International relations Government
  1. Trump's recent remarks show his belief that countries like Ukraine should just be grateful and not push back against his or Putin's views. This attitude reflects a serious misunderstanding of Ukraine's need for sovereignty and freedom.
  2. There is a clear need for Europeans to support Ukraine and act confidently in their own interests rather than cater to Trump’s demands. European nations have the resources to help but need to focus on doing so independently.
  3. Americans who support democracy need to work hard to challenge Trumpism, especially in the upcoming 2026 elections. It's important to regain control to support values of freedom and democracy.

Former Boudin staffer Ryan Khojasteh and police commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone to challenge SFDA Brooke Jenkins

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Law enforcement Corruption
  1. Former Boudin staffer Ryan Khojasteh and police commissioner Max Carter-Oberstone plan to challenge SFDA Brooke Jenkins.
  2. There may be a consideration for Joe Alioto Veronese to run for DA again after finishing third in the 2022 race.
  3. DA Brooke Jenkins is facing challengers but has shown effectiveness in reducing crime rates and prosecuting drug dealers.

Britain isn't broken

Comment is Freed • 171 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Issues Social Issues Governance Public Opinion Crisis Management
  1. Britain has problems, but they're nowhere near as serious as in the past. We should focus on solutions instead of worrying about doomsday scenarios.
  2. Many people in Britain, regardless of politics, don't support violence or riots. The majority believe that those who help clean up after disturbances truly represent the nation.
  3. Constant negativity and fear can make problems seem worse than they are. It's important to look at the real issues and work on them instead of getting caught up in a gloomy outlook.

The Hyper-Structure of War and Interstitial Conflicts

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 45 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polarization Foreign Policy National Security Geopolitics Institutional Trust Information Warfare
  1. Many modern wars are interstitial — they’re not just local fights but reflect deep internal conflicts within powerful countries, especially the US, and events abroad can be treated as shrapnel from that domestic struggle.
  2. The US is split into two broad coalitions: the Custodians, who defend the post‑WWII global order (big corporations, tech, and the security establishment), and the Populists, who push for national industrial power and are willing to break old rules to preserve sovereignty.
  3. These factions fight through proxies, covert actions, lawfare, and narrative warfare, turning foreign conflicts and domestic incidents into battlegrounds for their rivalry, which often prioritizes loyalty over truth and increases the risk of escalation.

The Fuss Over Chips

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Geopolitics Trade policy Technology International relations Economic strategy
  1. Semiconductor chips are extremely important today, like how steel was key during World War II. They're used in everything from smartphones to military systems, making them a vital part of the global economy.
  2. The CHIPS Act in the U.S. aims to boost domestic production of chips and limit China’s access to advanced technology. This has created a significant economic and geopolitical tug-of-war between the two countries.
  3. China is trying to gain leverage by controlling resources needed for technology, like lithium and cobalt, while the U.S. deals with the challenge of ensuring fair trading practices. Both countries need a balance to improve the global economy without conflicts.

Anti-woke gadfly Steven Pinker suddenly pimping for Harvard

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Government Social Issues Higher education
  1. Steven Pinker wrote an article defending Harvard, surprising many of his supporters who see him as anti-woke. It highlights both the flaws and the achievements of the university.
  2. He argues that funding for STEM research, which comes from taxpayers, is crucial and indicates that Harvard's ways may need reform to secure more support.
  3. There is a call to action for scholars to join in reform efforts to change the current direction of higher education and ensure that funding continues.

The Beveridge curve and cultural evolution

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Market Inflation Taxation Government spending
  1. Beveridge curves show the relationship between job vacancies and unemployment rates, highlighting changes in the labor market over time.
  2. Economic policies, such as tax laws and deficit spending, can impact factors like wages and inflation, influencing the overall economic environment.
  3. Cultural evolution in business practices is influenced by economic conditions and government policies, shaping the economy and labor market dynamics.

knowledge for college

bad cattitude • 145 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Debt crisis Economic Policy Political Ideology
  1. Subsidizing higher education leads to more debt and inflated costs. When the government gives easier access to loans, colleges raise their prices, making education more expensive for everyone.
  2. Many borrowers don't understand how loans and interest work, leading to financial trouble. It's important for students to learn about money management before taking on debt.
  3. Universities have become less about education and more about ideology. The focus should shift back to critical thinking and quality education rather than just increasing enrollment and funding.

EXCLUSIVE: Public Schoolers Are Paid $1,400 a Pop to Become Social Justice Warriors

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1307 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Debate California
  1. An activist group in California is paying public high schoolers to learn about social and racial justice, funded by taxpayers, causing controversy
  2. The Free Press is hosting live debates as an alternative to the traditional presidential debates, with the upcoming topic being whether America should close its borders
  3. The movie industry hopes 'Dune: Part Two' will revive Hollywood, but the film's success at the box office doesn't necessarily mean it will bring in a new era of actors with the same impact as previous stars

breach of social contract

bad cattitude • 157 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Libertarianism Social contract Political Ideologies Political criticism
  1. Libertarianism is often misunderstood by both the left and the right, each thinking the other side is just using libertarian ideas for their own gains.
  2. People who break the social contract by infringing on others' rights lose the protections that come with it, which means they can't expect fairness if they cause harm.
  3. Living peacefully with others means respecting their rights too. If someone violates that trust, it can lead to conflict, and the libertarian view is that they will not automatically receive the same respect in return.

Rejected Cabinet Nominees

Thinking about... • 468 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Elections Policy Diplomacy
  1. Some cabinet nominees have been rejected by the Senate in the past, which shows that this is not a common but not unheard of process. It highlights the Senate's role in approving nominees through its 'advice and consent' power.
  2. There have been instances where nominees were found to have serious personal issues or lacked qualifications, leading to their withdrawal or rejection. This raises concerns about the suitability of some of today's nominees.
  3. The history of rejected nominees emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards for cabinet positions. Questions about past employment of undocumented workers should be a part of evaluating nominees, especially given current immigration policies.

January 2, 2026

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Local government Governance Public Opinion Corruption Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor promising a new era where City Hall uses its power to expand opportunity and restore New Deal–style public investments for everyday workers.
  2. One of his first acts was to revoke many executive orders from the previous mayor as a direct anti‑corruption move meant to restore trust in government after high‑profile legal scandals.
  3. Major media and polling signaled trouble for Republicans: reporters flagged signs of aging and health questions about President Trump, and his provocative social posts added to concerns about the party's standing heading into the 2026 midterms.

Top Links 608 American exceptionalism. An Orwellian turn in Chinese economic commentary & can we save Hawker Centers and Axolotl from progress?

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Social Issues History International relations
  1. American exceptionalism refers to the belief that the United States has a unique role in the world. It's important to think about why this idea persists and what it means.
  2. Chinese economic commentary has taken a turn towards being more controlled and less transparent. This shift can impact how we understand China's economy and its global role.
  3. Hawker centers and the axolotl are examples of cultural and biological entities at risk from modernization. It's crucial to find ways to preserve these unique aspects of our world.

Harvard's double standard for Gay

Heterodox STEM • 1579 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Plagiarism Academic standards University Governance Freedom of Speech
  1. Harvard's president was accused of plagiarism but faced no consequences, leading to concerns about double standards.
  2. Students at Harvard face severe punishments for plagiarism, while the university seems to handle allegations against its president differently.
  3. The president's controversies have raised questions about the institution's values and reputation, affecting its students and donors.

Diss at your peril

A User's Guide to History • 176 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Democratic Party Working Class Political participation Presidential elections
  1. Historical populism was driven not just by economic distress but also by status anxiety and feelings of disdain from urban elites.
  2. The alienation of different demographic groups from the Democratic party led to a shift in political affiliations.
  3. Political participation is not just about policy but also about belonging and feeling respected within a party.

Epistemic Populism

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Media Democracy Institutions Misinformation Authoritarianism
  1. Populism and online grifters are attacking experts and epistemic hierarchies, so public policy and opinion increasingly follow emotion, conspiracy, and popularity instead of evidence and specialist knowledge.
  2. The attention economy causes audience capture: journalists and institutions pander to niches and overfit to engagement, which erodes rigorous standards; institutions need distance or 'elitism' to protect truth and democracy.
  3. Many wealthy people and leaders accommodate or excuse authoritarian behavior for profit or convenience—what the piece calls 'artificial stupidity' and the 'authoritarian two-step'—and combined with mass ignorance and technological change this creates a dangerous strain on liberal democracy and global stability.

Senators Warren, Grassley and others taking bi-partisan action to address business practices of non-profit hospitals

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Government oversight Community health
  1. Nonprofit hospitals are supposed to help their communities, but many are not meeting their legal obligations for charity care and community spending. They're holding onto large amounts of cash instead.
  2. A group of senators is raising concerns about how some nonprofit hospitals are abusing their tax-exempt status. They want clearer rules and stronger oversight to ensure hospitals give back to the community.
  3. Some hospitals focus too much on profits and expensive projects instead of helping poor patients. This is causing problems for those who really need care but aren't getting the support they should.

VP Vance shocks Europeans with American exceptionalism and principled moral clarity

The Dossier • 419 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political speech Demographic Trends Globalism
  1. Europe has faced many problems from large-scale immigration, which some feel is not leading to good integration. Many worry that this could change the culture and institutions in Europe.
  2. There's a growing trend of censorship and control among European leaders, which some people see as oppressive. They feel that important discussions are being shut down.
  3. Western Europe's declining birth rates are causing demographic issues, including an aging population and fewer workers. Economic factors make having children more challenging for many families.