The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

dear washington DC

bad cattitude • 404 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government reform Public Policy Political Commentary Civic engagement
  1. A new group of highly skilled and productive people is coming to Washington, D.C., and they are different from the usual insiders. They are capable of achieving remarkable things quickly.
  2. This new team operates with a mindset of moving fast and breaking things, challenging existing processes and norms in government. They are ready to disrupt the status quo.
  3. With their talent and determination, this group could bring significant change to government agencies, leaving the current officials surprised and unable to keep up.

Weekend Listening: Should America Continue to Aid Ukraine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 894 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Public Opinion Legislation Political Views
  1. The costs of the war between Russia and Ukraine have been extremely high, with many casualties and significant financial support from the U.S.
  2. Public opinion in America has shifted over the past two years, with a majority now opposing additional funding to support Ukraine.
  3. Debates center around the importance of America's role in Ukraine, the effectiveness of aid packages, and the state of the war in Ukraine.

Top Links 622 Trump's big choices. President-Fed interactions. Lifting the wind siege & how reinsurance trimmed its wildfire exposure.

Chartbook • 314 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Economics Policy Trade Insurance
  1. High tariffs imposed by Donald Trump can be seen positively by some who believe it helps protect American jobs.
  2. Interactions between the President and the Federal Reserve are crucial for understanding economic policies.
  3. Reinsurance companies are finding ways to reduce their risks from wildfires, showing how the industry is adapting to climate challenges.

Jabs for the rich, moralising for the poor

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government reform Social Issues Urban Development Public Health
  1. We need to talk about fairness in healthcare, especially when it comes to rich people getting better access to treatments than poorer people. It feels unfair when the rules seem to change based on your income.
  2. The government's new app may seem simple, but it's a big step in changing how the British state works. This could mean more digital services in the future.
  3. There's a problem with how we build and supply housing in cities. Finding ways to fix these bottlenecks is important for making sure everyone has a place to live.
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The Great VAT Panic

Comment is Freed • 102 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Taxation Political Campaigns Private schools Government spending
  1. The introduction of VAT on private school fees did not cause a mass transfer of students to state schools, contrary to many predictions in the media. In fact, the number of private students only dropped slightly.
  2. While some private schools are struggling, the overall number of private schools has actually increased. Many new schools are opening, especially those catering to students with special educational needs.
  3. The reaction to the VAT policy reveals a disconnect between political lobbying tactics and actual outcomes. Campaigns based on fear and negativity didn't accurately reflect the reality of the situation.

In A Time of Compliant Democrats, Resist Like Bill Burr

JoeWrote • 309 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Resistance Movements Far Right Politics Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. It's important to point out that some political leaders and their supporters can be ridiculous and untrustworthy. Instead of just debating facts, it's more effective to call out their nonsense directly.
  2. When challenging opposing views, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to make your point and help others see how extreme some ideas are.
  3. Instead of being polite and compromising with those who hold harmful views, focus on resisting their ideas and building a strong community to support positive change.

Secession

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Secession Self-determination Government Taxation
  1. Secession allows regions to leave a government that they feel is taking advantage of them. This can help keep governments accountable and service-focused.
  2. Easy secession can lead to better treatment of citizens because governments would worry about losing parts of their population to secession.
  3. The idea of making secession easier depends on enough people wanting it and supporting it, which could change the way governments operate.

The Comey Case is Dismissed

The Reactionary • 32 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Government Prosecution
  1. A judge ruled that the person who indicted James Comey was not properly appointed, which led to the dismissal of the case against him.
  2. The dismissal of the indictment could mean the end of any legal action against Comey, since the time limit to prosecute might expire soon.
  3. There's a possibility that the government might still bring the case back to court if they choose to resubmit the indictment.

Social Learning Links, 2/13/2025

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Youth Politics Public Discourse Societal Trends
  1. At the World Economic Forum this year, many attendees showed a surprising rightward shift in their views, with a strong presence of pro-Trump sentiments among participants.
  2. A group of young conservative men hosts debate parties, reflecting their deep engagement with intellectual discussions, often in contrast to older conservative perspectives.
  3. Making actions easier or harder can shape behaviors; if antisocial behavior is easy, it often increases, so we need to think carefully about the barriers we create.

Is America about to fall? Or flourish?

The Novelleist • 412 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Humanism Democracy Political History Economic issues
  1. Humanism focuses on logic and making gradual improvements for society, aiming for better jobs and life for everyone. It's about working together and using reason to solve problems when times are stable.
  2. Anti-humanism arises from feelings of personal instability and distrust in political systems. It leads people to prioritize their own needs over the community and seek radical changes when they feel ignored or threatened.
  3. Currently, society is leaning towards anti-humanism due to real grievances, and while logic has helped progress in the past, emotional responses are becoming more common as people seek immediate solutions.

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Social media
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.

Top Links 571 Trump's fiscal shock. The Latino working-class. The Mozambique tuna fishing fleet is for sale.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Fiscal policy Labor Issues International relations Economic Trends
  1. Trump's fiscal policies could have a significant impact, leading to major financial changes. It's important to think about what these changes could mean for the economy.
  2. The Latino working class plays a key role in shaping economic trends and discussions today. Understanding their perspectives can help in finding better policies.
  3. There are interesting developments in unexpected areas like the Mozambique tuna fishing fleet. This shows that global events can affect local economies in surprising ways.

A Puzzle in Voter Behavior

Maximum Progress • 117 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voter Behavior Immigration Voter Turnout
  1. Old republicans' anti-immigration sentiment challenges traditional theories of voter behavior based on self-interest.
  2. Voting decisions are not solely based on self-interest, but also influenced by factors like emotional benefits and group identity.
  3. Understanding voter behavior includes concepts like rational ignorance and rational irrationality, which account for limited impact of individual votes on election outcomes.

US Fights Democracy Abroad

Nonzero Newsletter • 372 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Democracy Political trends Geopolitics
  1. The U.S. is facing criticism for overlooking democratic backsliding in allied countries, like Romania and Georgia, to focus on countering Russian influence.
  2. AI technology is causing concerns, with incidents involving chatbots leading to severe mental health issues, highlighting the need for better safety measures in the industry.
  3. There is a political shift happening, with traditional left and right divides blurring, as some Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground against the political establishment.

Revisiting the Origins of Civic Tech

Can We Still Govern? • 118 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civic Tech Government Public Policy Technology Integration Digital Services
  1. Civic tech is all about using technology to make government services better for people. It focuses on understanding what the public needs and improving access to those services.
  2. The journey of civic tech teaches us that fixing government issues often requires understanding the root problems rather than focusing just on technology. Change takes time and must involve all levels of the system.
  3. Anyone can get involved in civic tech! There are many ways to help improve local and national government services using technology, whether through volunteering or working in policy-making roles.

Links to Consider, 11/14/2024

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Inflation Political trends Social Issues
  1. Social issues are becoming more relaxed, and many activities that were once illegal are now accepted. This change shows a shift in American values, as old social norms are less effective.
  2. The recent elections showed that voters are focused on inflation, which influenced their choices. Many people felt dissatisfied with the Democratic candidates, especially Kamala Harris, leading to a shift towards Republicans.
  3. Traditional media like TV is losing younger audiences, while platforms like podcasts and social media are gaining popularity. This shift reflects a changing media landscape where people seek different ways to get their news.

No, Capitalism Did Not Make America the Richest Country

Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Socialism History Immigration Capitalism
  1. America's wealth didn't come solely from capitalism or hard work; other factors played big roles too. There are many things we often overlook when we talk about America's economic success.
  2. Many Europeans didn't come to America only to escape oppression. They actually had other options within Europe, and they were often seeking better land and opportunities instead.
  3. The U.S. had vast resources like fertile land and coal, which helped it industrialize faster than many European countries. These natural advantages were a key reason for America's economic power.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Public Policy Local government Regulation Political Debate
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

Ohio is buying mobile shoot houses to train armed teachers

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics School Safety Education Training Policy
  1. Ohio is purchasing mobile shoot houses to train armed teachers. These structures don't align with real-world school shooting scenarios.
  2. The mobile shoot houses may not effectively train teachers for school shooting situations. The cost and logistics of training teachers to use these facilities can add up to millions of dollars.
  3. The purchase of shoot houses raises questions about budget priorities and effectiveness in enhancing school safety. Prioritizing such equipment over addressing budget deficits may be considered 'security theater.'

The Last Big Mystery of the New York City Mayoral Election

Michael Tracey • 40 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Political elites
  1. Zohran Mamdani used a smart strategy to win the Democratic nomination by connecting with young progressive voters. This new coalition helped him secure a solid base for his campaign.
  2. He shifted his image from an outsider to a mainstream politician by aligning with political elites and making compromises. This included getting the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul to solidify his position.
  3. There are allegations of a secret deal involving Curtis Sliwa that could have influenced the election outcome. While some claim Sliwa was offered money to drop out, details about this supposed bribery remain unclear.

MORE Export Controls: Foundry, DRAM, and Reflections on Biden

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Export Controls National Security Biden administration Technology Policy China relations
  1. New export controls from the U.S. aim to stop Chinese companies, like Huawei, from accessing advanced chips made in Taiwan. This is a big move to protect U.S. technology.
  2. A change in the definition of DRAM now makes it harder for Chinese companies to find loopholes to acquire necessary chip-making equipment. This is a stricter measure to keep high-tech manufacturing under control.
  3. There's a new checklist system for companies trying to buy advanced chips. Only approved companies can buy them, which could slow things down for startups looking to get into the market.

Stop Making Cents?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 282 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Public Opinion Trump
  1. The cost of making a penny is greater than its value, leading to debates about whether they should continue to be produced.
  2. Some people believe that the penny has sentimental value and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't seem practical.
  3. The argument against the penny includes the huge losses the government faces from minting them, which may outweigh any emotional reasons to keep them.

On Elon Musk and Sleazy Optionality

The Future, Now and Then • 123 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Political parties Public Opinion Influence
  1. Elon Musk often makes surprising proposals, leaving people unsure of his seriousness. This uncertainty can create reactions that benefit him, whether he follows through or not.
  2. His strategy, called 'sleazy optionality', allows him to test the waters without much risk. If people take him seriously, he might act; if not, he can easily back off.
  3. Musk's idea of starting an 'America Party' seems more like a way to create leverage rather than a genuine political move. It's important not to take such proposals too seriously since they often serve his interests rather than a clear political goal.

Dingus of the week: Pete Hegseth

Men Yell at Me • 380 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Criticism Social Issues Public Policy Government Accountability
  1. Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a high military position, has a controversial history with accusations of misconduct and a toxic work environment. His qualifications for such a role are questioned.
  2. There are serious concerns about how the military treats women, especially considering that many report experiencing harassment and assault. Putting someone like Hegseth in charge could worsen this issue.
  3. The healthcare system is failing many Americans, leading to feelings of rage and frustration. People are struggling to access necessary medical care, and this creates a sense of violence in everyday life.

Three weeks in US unions, January 29th-February 19th, 2023

Who Gets the Bird? • 235 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Legislation Elections Organizing
  1. Several long strikes in the US labor movement have ended or are nearing resolution.
  2. Various new strikes and labor actions are happening across different sectors, including transit, healthcare, and education.
  3. Significant developments are occurring in union organizing efforts, elections, and collective bargaining rights, showcasing a dynamic period in the US labor landscape.

Global Media Award Finalist: Inside a month of America's school shootings

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Shootings Journalism Policy Data Collection
  1. The project highlighted the challenges of collecting data on school shootings and the personal stories affected by gun crimes.
  2. The collaboration between The Economist and David Riedman is shedding light on school swatting incidents.
  3. The success of the project demonstrated the effectiveness of combining video reporting, data journalism, and traditional reporting in storytelling.

November 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Foreign Policy Economic Policy Campaign Finance Justice Populism Governance
  1. The administration is shaping policy to benefit a network of wealthy allies and businesses, blending public power with private profit. Deals span foreign agreements, tech, and crypto that appear to favor connected insiders.
  2. Legal protections, commutations, and withheld investigations are shielding wealthy friends from accountability and undermining the rule of law. Ordinary victims of fraud and abuse are left without justice while elites escape consequences.
  3. Widespread anger at this elite favoritism — dubbed the 'Epstein class' — is driving political realignment and voter backlash over affordability and concentrated power. That anger is pushing some voters toward Democrats and prompting populist postures from some Republicans.

Trump Is So Angry With Putin He Delayed Sanctions For 50 Days

Phillips’s Newsletter • 123 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Sanctions Foreign Policy Russia Ukraine
  1. Trump was very upset with Putin for not taking peace talks seriously. He felt frustrated when Putin would agree to talks but continue to attack Ukraine.
  2. Despite his anger, Trump actually delayed sanctions against Putin for 50 days. This was surprising given his feelings.
  3. The decision to delay sanctions may have ended up helping Putin, rather than hurting him, which was likely not Trump's intention.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

Fisted by Foucault • 309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Executive orders Political strategy Deep State Government Accountability
  1. Trump signed many executive orders on his first day back in office to show he's serious about changes. This was meant to impress both his followers and the world.
  2. One of the key goals for Trump is to reduce the influence of government insiders, often called the 'Deep State'. He believes that without this, his efforts won't last.
  3. Trump took action against former officials he believes manipulated information during the last campaign. He revoked their security clearances as a bold statement against political interference.

Mentions of Political Extremism in English Wikipedia

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 350 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Studies Data Visualization Extremism
  1. English Wikipedia mentions far-right political extremism three times more than far-left extremism. This shows a noticeable difference in how each side is portrayed.
  2. The terms used to describe political extremism vary, with 'extreme' often linked more to the right and 'radical' to the left. However, the overall trend still favors right-wing mentions.
  3. These patterns in Wikipedia echo trends found in news media, suggesting that the way political extremism is discussed might be influenced by broader social and historical factors.

Hard Times on the Social Change Frontlines

theconnector • 235 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Funding
  1. Social change organizations face internal challenges in terms of leadership, finances, and alignment of goals.
  2. Progressive organizations are experiencing economic pressures and a disconnect between younger and older staff.
  3. Advocacy work is primarily funded by major philanthropies, leading to dynamic leadership but potentially poor management decisions.

Harlan Kelly Heads to Court

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 235 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Investigation Government Scandal Relationships
  1. Harlan Kelly, former manager of SFPUC, is facing corruption charges alongside his girlfriend and chief strategy officer, Juliet Ellis.
  2. Corruption scandals involving officials like Mohammed Nuru have connections to City Hall and Mayor London Breed, revealing a history of mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
  3. Ongoing investigations into City Family corruption, including the Community Benefits Program, highlight concerns about lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest in San Francisco government.

Subversive as All Hell

Symposium • 235 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Individualism Socialism Progressivism
  1. Rose Wilder Lane stood for self-reliance and freedom, resisting government control and embracing individualism.
  2. Critiques of progressivism and the New Deal focused on the rejection of individualism and the rise of paternalistic authority.
  3. Lane, Paterson, and Rand advocated for individualism in the face of societal conformity, influencing the modern libertarian movement.

Pundits scold us for fretting about crime/drugs/homeless in San Francisco

C.W.’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Homelessness Drugs
  1. People are scolded for worrying about crime, drugs, and homelessness in San Francisco, with claims that things are actually fine.
  2. Despite official statements that crime is down and manageable, the city is facing a crisis with issues like fentanyl dealing and human trafficking.
  3. There is a growing sense of individuals feeling they are on their own in dealing with problems due to a lack of city governance and public order.