The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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VERY URGENT: Donald J. Trump is naming Robert F Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services

Unreported Truths • 111 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Health Policy Government Appointments Election Updates Public Health
  1. Donald Trump has promised to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services.
  2. This decision is facing significant pushback from pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
  3. Trump is determined to follow through with his promise, despite the opposition.

History Wins Out in the End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Narrative Public Figures Foreign Policy
  1. Public figures often try to control how they are remembered after their time in power. They do this through flattering books and hiring people to write nice histories about them.
  2. When in power, these leaders can shape their image but that doesn't last forever. After they are gone, their history will be analyzed and critiqued in ways that could upset them.
  3. The Biden Administration, despite being praised, faced several foreign policy missteps. Their attempts to create a positive narrative about these failures may not be successful in the long run.

A new era dawns

Unreported Truths • 85 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Trump is back with a stronger desire to make big changes in how the government works. He seems more focused and ready to use his power differently this time.
  2. His leadership style looks to be less about compromise and more about taking decisive action, which might mean playing rough in politics.
  3. Trump wants to prioritize American citizens over outside issues, but his vision can feel darker and more intense than previous presidents like Reagan.

Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away

Polymathic Being • 113 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Mental health Public Perception Community Engagement
  1. Don't let fear from social media take over your life. There's plenty of good around you if you look for it.
  2. Remember that political news is often far removed from your daily reality. You have control over how much it affects you.
  3. Take action in your local community. Get involved and focus on what truly matters to you, instead of constantly worrying about the emperor.
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Some Knowns and Unknowns about the 2024 Presidential Campaign

Think Future • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Parties Candidates Policy
  1. Futurists use acronyms like STEEPM and EPISTLE to analyze trends for future forecasting, considering factors like Social/Cultural, Technological, Economic, Political, and more.
  2. The 2024 Presidential Campaign's key focus areas include Political, Legal, Economic, Social/Cultural, and Religious arenas, potentially shaping the future of the United States.
  3. Factors affecting the support for Trump and Biden in the 2024 election include legal cases, criminal convictions, voter demographics, and overall political landscape.

Revenge of the Unvaxed

Diane Francis • 439 implied HN points • 13 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Vaccination COVID-19 Government Policy Political division
  1. Many people are still unvaccinated, which keeps COVID-19 spreading and mutating. This makes life tougher for everyone and affects the economy.
  2. Unvaccinated individuals are the majority of those getting severe cases of COVID-19 and dying from it. This is leading to new mandates for vaccinations or regular testing.
  3. New variants of the virus are emerging, making it challenging to achieve herd immunity. Global vaccination efforts are crucial to control the pandemic and prevent further mutations.

Maybe Trump Just Played "The Settlers of Catan" With Epstein's Sex Trafficking Victim

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Satire Trump Analysis Social Commentary Current Events Media Critique
  1. We can't be sure what happened during Trump's time with Epstein's victim, but it raises many questions. People wonder about the nature of their interactions and whether they truly spent hours together.
  2. There are funny and innocent explanations for why Trump might have been there, but people's imaginations tend to run wild. There's also a suggestion that they could have played games together, like Settlers of Catan.
  3. Some argue against the idea of playing Catan with just two people, but there are ways to adapt the game for two players. The whole situation is loaded with speculation and irony surrounding Trump's past with Epstein.

Northwestern Cancels Former Trustee

Heterodox STEM • 284 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Due process Diversity Inclusion
  1. Northwestern University cancelled a former trustee without due process over student complaints.
  2. The former trustee believes that NU's 'Safetyism' is harming students by limiting free speech and due process rights.
  3. The former trustee highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the damage caused by 'safetyism' on college campuses.

Proof of Destruction: The Musk Insurrection As It Happened (Book 1, The Musk Trilogy)

Proof • 73 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Impact Government Affairs Civil Rights Democracy issues
  1. Elon Musk's actions are viewed as a serious threat to democracy, even more so than events like January 6th.
  2. The insurrection he is associated with is described as a major attack on the government since the Civil War.
  3. There is concern over the influence of unelected individuals in government and their potential to disrupt democratic processes.

On Substack, medicine, and journalism

Unreported Truths • 34 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Journalism Public Health Vaccination Health Policy
  1. Substack allows writers to express their thoughts freely and connect directly with readers, unlike traditional media.
  2. There are concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, with a belief that they were not tested thoroughly enough.
  3. The battle over free speech is important, as some believe that regulating opinions can limit open discussions on topics like vaccines.

Fulton County DA Fani Willis: Her Affair with the Special Prosecutor

The Reactionary • 259 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Prosecution Scandal
  1. Fulton County DA Fani Willis is alleged to have an ongoing affair with her subordinate, the Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade.
  2. The relationship raises concerns about ethical violations in the legal profession and potential conflicts of interest in the prosecution.
  3. Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade submitted false billing records, which could lead to felony charges.

Reminder: Zoom Call Tonight

Nonzero Newsletter • 112 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political culture Public Policy Civic engagement
  1. There's a Zoom call happening tonight at 8 PM US Eastern Time. It's for NZN members to talk about the election and what's next.
  2. The call will last for 90 minutes or until all questions are answered. It's a good chance to discuss important topics.
  3. You can join using the provided link to ask questions and share thoughts with others.

CROSSPOST from 2007: HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: George W. Bush et le Code Ezéchiel

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Religion History Political theory Biblical Interpretation
  1. George W. Bush mentioned biblical figures Gog and Magog while discussing the Middle East with Jacques Chirac. This shows how some leaders might connect their political actions with religious beliefs.
  2. The interpretations of biblical texts like Ezekiel can vary widely. Some scholars see historical events in these texts, while others look for modern connections.
  3. The United States' support for Israel can be influenced by religious views, unlike the more geopolitical perspective often taken in Europe.

High Crimes

KERFUFFLE • 97 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Current Events Legal issues Public Opinion Government
  1. Hunter Biden's pardon by President Biden raises concerns about hypocrisy. Many are focusing more on the apparent double standards rather than the serious implications behind the decision.
  2. Some believe the pardon reflects a father's love for his son. However, critics argue that it overlooks significant issues regarding foreign influence and possible misconduct.
  3. The media coverage seems to downplay the more troublesome aspects of Hunter's actions. Key issues like foreign business dealings are not being adequately addressed in discussions about the pardon.

August 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Law Policy Military
  1. Democratic governors are opposing Trump's use of military power against American citizens. They believe it threatens state sovereignty and is an abuse of power.
  2. Trump is facing challenges in appointing judges due to a Senate rule called 'blue slips,' which allows senators to block his nominees. His frustration reflects bigger issues with his administration's control.
  3. Governors are firmly stating there is no need for federal troops in their states, highlighting that Trump is trying to create a crisis. This has led to tensions and funny exchanges on social media between Trump and various governors.

August 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Legislation Civil Rights Political Power
  1. Democratic Texas state representatives faced pressure from Republican leadership when they returned home. They were required to sign a statement to avoid arrest as part of a controversial voting process.
  2. Representative Nicole Collier stood up against this demand, refusing to sign away her rights. She spent a night inside the House chamber, demonstrating her protest against what she called an attack on democracy.
  3. The situation reflects broader issues of political control and the misuse of law enforcement. Critics argue that this indicates a dangerous move toward authoritarian practices in government.

The Far-Right Extremist Pronatalism of Elon Musk Could Destroy Humanity in Decades

Proof • 82 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Policy Activism Society Ideology
  1. Elon Musk's views on having more children, known as pronatalism, might be risky for the future of humanity. It's important to think about the long-term effects of these ideas.
  2. Musk connects with several far-right beliefs that could influence his thoughts and actions. These connections raise concerns about the broader impact of his ideas.
  3. Understanding the potential dangers of Musk's pronatalism and other beliefs can help society prepare for future challenges. Being aware of these issues is crucial for everyone's safety.

Establishment Politicos Keep Pretending They're Anti-Establishment.

JoeWrote • 88 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Media Strategy Political narratives Public Opinion
  1. Many politicians and media figures like to act like they're underdogs, even when they're part of the political establishment. They do this to gain sympathy and support from the public.
  2. The idea of being an outsider is especially common among Republicans, who often claim to fight against the establishment despite having a lot of power. It's like the New England Patriots pretending to be underdogs while winning championships.
  3. This behavior is not just a political strategy; it affects how people see themselves and their beliefs. By framing their views as forbidden or unique, they distract from the real issues that need fixing in society.

Build the Wall

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Foreign Policy Border Security Geopolitics
  1. Russia is using migration as a strategy, similar to how it has happened at the U.S.-Mexico border since 2016.
  2. There are concerns that leaders like Putin are influencing the high number of migrants at the U.S. border, which reached 1.7 million this year.
  3. The issue of migration is not new, but the manipulation behind it has become more apparent recently.

On journalism's dishonesty and moral rot

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Social Issues Criminal Justice Political Commentary Cultural Commentary
  1. Some media outlets may not clearly condemn violent actions, leading to mixed messages about serious crime. For example, a writer seemed unsure if a murdered executive deserved sympathy.
  2. The way people are described in news articles can reflect biases and affect public perception. Terms like 'subway dancer' and 'ex-marine' can shape how stories are understood.
  3. There's a growing skepticism toward mainstream media, with more people turning to social media for different perspectives. This shift is making traditional news sources seem less relevant.

The philosophical and empirical cases for ignoring bad or biased pollsters | #210 - February 26, 2023

G. Elliott Morris's Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philosophical Bias
  1. Aggregating public opinions may mean slightly less accurate election forecasts, which is acceptable.
  2. Polls dramatically overperformed expectations in the 2022 midterms, despite popular misconceptions.
  3. It's important to be cautious of biased pollsters and consider the methodology, credibility, and track record of pollsters before including their data in models.

July 25, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Civil Rights Historical Events Racial Justice
  1. A U.S. citizen filmed a troubling arrest involving undocumented individuals in Florida, showing police using excessive force and joking about it. This raises concerns about how law enforcement handles immigration issues.
  2. The historical case of Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered in 1955 for allegedly flirting with a white woman, highlights the deep-rooted racial violence and injustice in America. His mother’s choice to have an open-casket funeral was a powerful statement against racism.
  3. The events surrounding Till's case illustrate the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of remembering past injustices to help prevent them in the future.

Government-Funded Stanford Group Successfully Urged Censorship Of Republicans But Not Democrats For Equivalent Claims

Public • 287 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Censorship Government funding Election Integrity Social media
  1. The Government-backed Stanford group censored Republicans for claims but not Democrats.
  2. Republicans faced censorship for election fraud claims while similar claims by Democrats went unchecked.
  3. Stanford's biased censorship efforts raise concerns about government influence on freedom of speech.

The left's open borders insanity, caught in a single email

Unreported Truths • 82 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Political Ideologies Media Criticism Public Policy
  1. Some people believe there's a plan to flood the U.S. with migrants to help Democrats, but that's not supported by evidence. It looks more like a mix of mistakes and interests rather than a big conspiracy.
  2. Unchecked migration has actually pushed some working-class voters, including Black and Hispanic groups, towards Trump, which is the opposite of what some might expect.
  3. The author examines why there's such strong support for open borders, suggesting it stems from a moral panic rather than a coordinated strategy.

The Shutdown Deal Has Triggered a Sensible, Prudent Knife Fight Among Moderates

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Elections Governance Public Opinion
  1. Some Democratic Senators who are more moderate struck a deal to end the shutdown, but many liberal pundits strongly disliked it. This shows a divide between politicians and commentators.
  2. The public seems to blame Republicans more for the shutdown, which influenced some Democrats to agree to a deal they normally wouldn't support.
  3. There is a difference in opinion about the filibuster between Senators and pundits. Senators may value it for their power while pundits criticize it more harshly, showing their different priorities in politics.

WHAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PRESIDENTS WE ELECT

Seymour Hersh • 83 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Presidency Political History Political Analysis
  1. Presidents can be surprising; it's hard to know if they will promote peace or conflict. Actions can differ from what they say during elections.
  2. Former presidents can influence current events, and new leaders may work together for peace despite their past differences.
  3. Historical examples show that popular figures may not always act in ways that align with their public personas. It's important to critically assess their actions.

The United States of Anarchy

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 25 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Mass Shootings Political culture Public Policy
  1. Gun violence is a huge problem in the U.S., with mass shootings happening frequently and laws not changing much afterwards. Many find it easier to buy guns than to vote or drink beer.
  2. Many mass shooters are men who have a deep attachment to guns, often stemming from feelings of insecurity about their masculinity and societal role. This cultural issue is tied to their identity and coping mechanisms.
  3. Other countries have successfully reduced gun violence through stricter regulations, but in the U.S., debates over gun rights often lead to shouting matches without real solutions being implemented.

Tech's New Right

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Republican party Political Influence Campaign strategies
  1. Peter Thiel is gaining attention as a key supporter of the Republican Party. He's helping to influence politics by backing certain candidates.
  2. Thiel is the biggest donor for the Republican mid-term elections this year. He's focused on removing GOP members who disagree with him.
  3. His approach is similar to other wealthy figures in tech, like Bill Gates and Elon Musk, but he aims to make a bigger mark in politics.

Open Thread #34 - This One's On You

Fisted by Foucault • 88 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International Domestic Public Policy Elections Social Issues
  1. People are making predictions about major world events for 2025, like the situation in Ukraine and the conflict in Syria. It's interesting to hear different opinions on what's coming up.
  2. There's also a focus on US politics and issues like immigration and the influence of 'wokeness.' These topics can shape the political landscape significantly.
  3. In personal news, people are reflecting on their New Year's resolutions and what entertainment they're looking forward to. It shows how individuals set goals and enjoy life as the new year begins.

Everyone wants a male breadwinner

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Roles Economic Policy Feminism
  1. Many people still believe in a male breadwinner model where the man earns money while the woman takes care of the home. This belief can create pressure and expectations in relationships.
  2. Research shows that marriages where women earn more than men can lead to more stress and higher chances of divorce. This hints that traditional gender roles still have a strong influence on people's decisions.
  3. Challenging the idea that men should always be the main earners could help improve marriage quality and financial outcomes for families. It's worth reconsidering these old norms for better relationships.

Chevron and the professional Republicans

Gray Mirror • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Political parties Judiciary Regulation Government
  1. Being a Republican lawyer can be beneficial for your career, especially since they get many more chances for jobs in the judicial field. It's unusual compared to most other professions, where being a Democrat might be preferred.
  2. Big legal changes are happening that could limit the power of federal agencies. The recent Supreme Court decisions make it easier for Republican lawyers to challenge those agencies' authority.
  3. There's a strange cycle where more regulations lead to more demand for Republican lawyers, and without those lawyers, those agencies might do even crazier things. It's a messy but important part of how the system works.

If Reality Doesn't Support Republican Politics, Then Republicans Will Change Reality.

JoeWrote • 88 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political propaganda Social Issues
  1. Republican politicians often change the facts to fit their agenda, especially after events like terrorist attacks. They want to support their views, even if it means spreading wrong information.
  2. The response to tragic events usually focuses on promoting fear and political goals instead of addressing real issues like mental health and gun control. This shows a lack of genuine concern for people's well-being.
  3. Mainstream media plays a role in this by sometimes giving a platform to these misleading narratives. They often don’t challenge lies, which can confuse the public about what is true and what isn’t.

The Top Gun Effect: Why Hollywood Movies Matter to the U.S. Military

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Entertainment Propaganda Spending Education
  1. The U.S. military sees Hollywood movies as a way to educate the public about warfare and shape public perception of the military.
  2. Movies like "Top Gun" have influenced recruitment and public image of the military by portraying it in a positive light.
  3. There is a significant financial and societal impact to the U.S. military's involvement in Hollywood movies, revealing the influence of entertainment on public perception and funding.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-14 Sa

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Healthcare policy Social Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Economic growth in the G-5 has faced challenges due to policy choices, like the Reagan deficits and insufficient public investment. These choices have slowed growth compared to earlier times.
  2. ObamaCare has effectively controlled entitlement spending, shifting the focus to new financial issues. It's become clear that previous crises have changed over time.
  3. Wages for non-managerial workers have started to rise compared to managerial workers. This shift shows a significant change in the workforce that isn't just due to technology but reflects broader social dynamics.

Making SNAP Interviews More Flexible Increases Take-up

Can We Still Govern? • 96 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Social programs Public Administration
  1. Making interviews for SNAP more flexible can help more people get the benefits they need. When applicants can choose when to interview, like calling in at their convenience, they are more likely to complete the process.
  2. Reducing procedural denials is important because many people get turned away not due to ineligibility, but because they miss the required interview. By making interviews easier, agencies can save time and money while helping people access food assistance.
  3. Flexible interviews have already shown success in cities like Los Angeles and Boulder, where approval rates increased and benefits were received faster. This shows that small changes in the process can significantly improve access to support for those in need.

America's Downfall

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 01 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Deregulation Governance Safety Public Policy
  1. Many old buildings in Florida are in bad shape and might be abandoned. This is because owners often don’t spend money on repairs or safety measures.
  2. The lack of building regulations in Florida and across America can lead to dangerous situations. Regular inspections and maintenance are important to keep people safe.
  3. Deregulation in various industries has caused serious problems in America, like financial crises and safety issues. People need to understand that regulations can help protect them.

Dominic Cummings, An Underrated Precedent for DOGE

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Bureaucracy Political Reform Civil Service Political Science
  1. The UK government’s quick adaptations in tech and services during crises show a more centralized political system. This makes it easier to change things than in the US.
  2. Bureaucratic hiring processes in America often lead to unqualified candidates, which slows down progress. A more efficient system is needed for better talent acquisition.
  3. Fundamental reforms in government agencies are essential for improving efficiency and competence in services. It's not just about ideology; it's about making systems work better.