The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Syndrome

The Weekly Dish • 143 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics
  1. The post discusses the impact of longstanding political figures not stepping down from their positions.
  2. The article mentions President Joe Biden and his role in ending the war in Afghanistan.
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

June 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Trump administration Public Opinion State Politics
  1. President Trump is using the issue of immigration to silence critics and control protests. He has threatened severe actions against those who oppose his policies.
  2. Local officials believe that Los Angeles can manage the situation without federal intervention, but Trump continues to push a narrative of crisis and violence.
  3. Governor Newsom has condemned Trump's actions, warning that they represent a broader threat to democracy and urging people to stand up against authoritarianism.

Biden's Bamboo Curtain

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 20 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Military Strategy Asia-Pacific Geopolitics
  1. The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
  2. China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
  3. The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.

War Games and Nuclear Weapons: A Modest Proposal

Phillips’s Newsletter • 61 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics War Strategy Nuclear policy Political Commentary International relations
  1. War games involving nuclear weapons should reflect real-life consequences so players appreciate the seriousness of their actions. This means making it personal, such as considering how decisions could affect family and friends.
  2. Current war games often feel detached from reality, as players can drop bombs and then return to their normal lives without any real stakes. This disconnect makes players less aware of the real-world implications of their choices.
  3. Introducing more realistic scenarios in war games could lead to deeper understanding and conversation about the impact of nuclear warfare, making it a topic people take more seriously.

America Is a Normal Country

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy American history Political Philosophy National Identity Global relations
  1. America is no longer viewed as a unique or exceptional country compared to others. Instead, it shares many common challenges with other nations.
  2. The U.S. has a history of military interventions that often led to problems rather than solutions, making some wonder if inaction might have been better.
  3. Despite past dominance after World War II, America is now seen as an empire in decline, and it's important to recognize and adapt to this reality.
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June 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Action Government Elections Judiciary
  1. Trump made a military decision to strike Iran after seeing positive media coverage of Israel's actions. This shows how much he valued public perception over intelligence.
  2. The U.S. history with Iran is complicated, starting from support for the Shah to tensions after the 1979 revolution. These past events have shaped current U.S.-Iran relations.
  3. The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to other countries without much process. This move may put vulnerable people in dangerous situations.

Meta Blocker

Technically Optimistic • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Legislation Child safety Privacy Law enforcement
  1. Reports of online child abuse have significantly increased over the years, showcasing a concerning trend that AI technology might exacerbate.
  2. Tech companies, like Snapchat and X, are starting to agree to support legislative acts like KOSA to enhance online protections for children, signaling a potential positive shift in the industry.
  3. There is a growing call for tougher legislation, transparency, and accountability in the tech sector to protect users, especially children, from harmful content online.

A negative income tax for today’s America

Hypertext • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Welfare Values Economics Reform
  1. Repackaging the negative income tax (NIT) for today's America includes starting from the current welfare system and considering path dependency.
  2. Introducing the NIT should focus on value frameworks appealing to both progressives and conservatives, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, opportunity, and cost-effectiveness.
  3. Implementing the NIT in steps requires reforms that are small enough to pass legislation, improve the lives of the poor, and align with both progressive and conservative values.

Less-than-Universal Basic Income

Hypertext • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Social Welfare Policy Government Taxation
  1. Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained popularity, but its implementation faces challenges in terms of cost and fairness.
  2. Alternative approaches like a permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit offer a more feasible path for large-scale cash transfers.
  3. Expanding the Child Tax Credit could address concerns about cost and fairness while still providing significant support to families in need.

Why Is the U.S. Destroying Itself Now?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Social justice Economic issues Cultural critique Technological Impact
  1. The foundation of modern Western civilization has flaws that may lead to its downfall. Its focus on individualism and a disconnect from nature contributes to this decline.
  2. There is a growing divide between wealthy elites and the struggling working class, creating resentment and potential conflict. The elite may not realize the extent of this divide and the consequences it brings.
  3. As AI and technology evolve, white-collar workers may face job loss, similar to what blue-collar workers have experienced. This shift could unite different classes and spark a new movement for change.

The Dilemma of the Pacifist Lion

Breaking Smart • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership War Military Public Opinion Political theory
  1. Leaders often struggle to balance their desire for peace with the need to show strength. This can lead to awkward situations where they want to appear strong while promoting non-violence.
  2. Actions speak louder than words, especially in tough situations. Doing something significant, like military action, may seem necessary for leaders to prove their strength.
  3. The unpredictable outcomes of bold decisions create doubt, and even those in power may act against their perceived nature to manage expectations and counter narratives about their reliability.

“Free KP” rally gathers TPP supporters

Taipology • 49 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Judicial system Public Protests Political parties Government Accountability
  1. A big rally happened to support former TPP leader Ko Wen-je, showcasing many people's loyalty to him despite his corruption charges. This gathering highlighted concerns about how the justice system in Taiwan may be misused against political opponents.
  2. Some speakers at the rally shared personal stories of facing unfair legal challenges. They argued that prosecutors are targeting political rivals, making people fear for their rights and freedoms.
  3. The event sparked a new sense of unity among different political parties in Taiwan, showing that they can come together against a common issue. This shift may lead to changes in the political landscape of Taiwan.

Tuesday’s US election and why social justice ideology might not be so bad for liberal democracy

The Path Not Taken • 66 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political Ideologies Social justice Political parties
  1. Social justice ideology is having a big impact on the Democratic Party and its relationship with liberal democracy. It focuses on identity and the protection of marginalized groups.
  2. Surveys show that people who support social justice values also tend to support the separation of powers within government, which is a key part of liberal democracy.
  3. While there are some conflicts between social justice ideology and liberal democratic values, it also highlights the need to defend rights and fairness for all, especially in times of political tension.

The Future of AI Diplomacy: Can The State Department Grok AI?

ChinaTalk • 133 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy Transparency Government National Security Data Analysis
  1. AI can enhance diplomacy by streamlining bureaucratic tasks, providing accurate data for negotiations, and improving analysis processes.
  2. Risk management in the State Department varies for different tasks: while tasks like HR and IT services can run faster to match the private sector, activities like foreign assistance and passport services require a higher burden due to their public impact.
  3. Strategic use of transparency can be a strength for the U.S. in diplomacy, as seen in the Biden administration's doctrine. Leveraging transparency internally and externally can have strategic advantages over closed societies.

I Welcome Trump Supporters

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political Discourse Political Behavior Populism Political parties
  1. It's okay to have Trump supporters follow and engage with you, even if you disagree with them. Respect can exist even amid different political views.
  2. People can change their values and opinions over time, even if they hold extremist views now. Everyone has the potential to evolve into a better version of themselves.
  3. The conflict isn't just left versus right; it's about dealing with movements that spread hate and division. It's important to call out harmful behavior while still being open to discussion.

Answering your questions

Comment is Freed • 64 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Policy Democracy International relations
  1. The Republican party seems to have shifted away from traditional establishment figures, with MAGA and Trump influencing their direction. Future candidates may be more conventional but still lean to the right.
  2. Democrats are facing challenges with key voter demographics, especially Latino men, and they might need to nominate someone who can connect with these groups in future elections.
  3. Both the US and UK are dealing with the implications of Trump's influence on politics, particularly regarding relationships with Europe and international cooperation.

Lessons from Kamalageddon

Taipology • 63 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Campaigns Parties Voter trends
  1. Candidates should focus on being genuinely talented rather than just fitting a diversity quota. Strong candidates tend to perform better in elections.
  2. Engaging with potential allies is crucial. Democrats should reach out to those who can help, instead of pushing them away over strict political stances.
  3. In today's media world, being authentic and relatable is more important than traditional campaign methods. New approaches are needed to connect with voters.

URGENT: The CEO of UnitedHealthcare - the largest private health insurance company in America - was just shot and killed in Manhattan in an apparent assassination

Unreported Truths • 60 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Healthcare Economy Corporate News Public Safety
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was assassinated in New York City. This event is shocking given that he was a high-profile executive.
  2. Thompson was shot outside a hotel during a financial conference, indicating that the attack was likely planned and targeted.
  3. His assassination raises concerns about the safety of executives and the potential backlash against health insurance leaders over care denials.

BLAME IMMIGRANTS

The Carousel • 54 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Racism Political Identity Nationalism
  1. Some people believe that immigrants, especially from the subcontinent, don't fully embrace American culture and traditions. They feel that the contributions of white American men should not be overshadowed.
  2. There are concerns that increased immigration might lead to economic issues and social tensions, as seen in other countries. This raises questions about how to manage future immigration effectively.
  3. There's a strong sentiment that immigrants should assimilate into American culture to be truly accepted. Critics argue that some groups keep their own practices and don't fully integrate.

The Beekeeper's Dilemma

Breaking Smart • 18 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policing Justice Public Policy Surveillance Crime
  1. The main character, GD, is considering retiring from his detective work because cases have become rare and unfulfilling. He’s thinking that maybe it’s time to explore other passions.
  2. GD has developed a serious interest in beekeeping, which he finds enjoyable and meaningful despite feeling he’s moving away from his original career in law enforcement.
  3. The policing environment has changed a lot since GD started, focusing less on justice and more on control, making him feel outdated and disconnected from the current system.

"I don't recall": Lawyer Lies for Fani Willis

The Reactionary • 136 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Investigation Testimony Ethics Conflict
  1. Bradley's testimony regarding the Willis-Wade relationship contained contradictions and evasiveness, suggesting deception.
  2. Judge McAfee's ruling on the attorney-client privilege issue and his interpretation of Bradley's performance play a crucial role in the case.
  3. The case involves complexities not just about the relationship between individuals, but also about potential conflict, deception, and the maintenance of judicial standards.

Gaming Election Law

David Friedman’s Substack • 134 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Presidential Election Congress Election Strategy
  1. There was a hypothetical scenario where Democrats could have strategically prevented Trump from being certified as the President through a complex legal process, but ultimately it was deemed unlikely to happen due to various factors.
  2. If a candidate is disqualified after winning the majority of electoral votes, it could lead to complex and uncertain scenarios such as the House getting involved in the election process and potential power struggles between political parties.
  3. The article also mentions a potential loophole in California's primary system that could have led to a Republican senator in a typically Democratic state, but it was clarified that the scenario was not possible due to the timing of different elections.

Academics Are Terrible at Politics

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Public Policy Political Science Civics Political theory
  1. Academics often struggle with political issues due to a lack of practical experience. They can be great at research but may not know how to deal with the complexities of politics.
  2. Improving the relationship between academia and politics could benefit both sides. It's important for academics to engage more in public discussions and understand political contexts.
  3. A thriving academic environment could help tackle the failings seen today. Finding better ways for academics to connect with society can lead to improvements.

Agency Capture – Biden Allocated $1.2 Billion To The United Nations Relief And Works Agency (UNRWA). It's Laced With Terrorist Extremists.

OpenTheBooks Substack • 143 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Terrorism Government Accountability Middle East Conflict International relations
  1. Biden allocated $1.2 billion in Palestinian aid to UNRWA, a UN agency linked with terrorist extremists.
  2. President Trump had previously cut U.S. aid to UNRWA to zero due to concerns about funding terrorism.
  3. The United States has been the largest funder of UNRWA since its founding in 1948, providing over one-third of its budget.

June 13, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Military Civil Rights Political Movements
  1. The Continental Army was formed in 1775 to fight against British oppression after the initial conflicts in Lexington and Concord. This marked a significant shift in the American fight for independence.
  2. General George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, balancing the need for a strong army with the fear of it becoming a tool for tyranny.
  3. Despite facing many hardships like lack of supplies and cold winters at Valley Forge, the army eventually succeeded in defeating the British, leading to the establishment of a nation where all men are seen as equal.

🔋Is Ford’s Pause on CATL Plant Really About China?

Interconnected • 185 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Unions China Automotive Industry Economic Impact
  1. Ford's pause on the CATL plant is not primarily about China, but rather about leverage between Ford and the UAW in a labor strike.
  2. Multiple incentives and support were provided for the CATL-powered plant, despite CATL being a Chinese company.
  3. The uncomfortable reliance on Chinese technology by US EV makers like Ford is a mutual issue, not just a one-sided concern.

How to Save Oakland

KERFUFFLE • 25 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Elections Public Policy Community Development Sports culture
  1. Oakland's new mayor, Barbara Lee, needs to focus on improving the city's problems and making it a better place for everyone.
  2. The Oakland Ballers, an independent league baseball team, is bringing hope and excitement back to the community.
  3. Engagement and support from locals can play a big role in turning around Oakland's current challenges.

No Amnesty for Crimes Against Humanity

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pandemic response COVID-19 Public Health Politics Government
  1. Ignoring the truth about COVID and the harm inflicted is not acceptable - no amnesty for crimes against humanity.
  2. People in positions of power who enabled destructive actions during the pandemic should be held accountable, not forgiven.
  3. Calls for amnesty for COVID-related actions are seen as hypocritical and evoke strong reactions of anger and the refusal to forgive.

The Radical Left's New Lawfare Tactic

Who is Robert Malone • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Judiciary Executive Litigation Civil Rights
  1. The Supreme Court's recent ruling limits judges' ability to block executive orders. This gives more power to the Trump administration to enforce its policies without dealing with frequent nationwide injunctions.
  2. As a response to the ruling, there’s a shift towards using class action lawsuits instead of universal injunctions. This means more groups can come together to challenge government actions.
  3. The fight isn’t over, and the left is quickly adapting their strategies. They plan to use class action lawsuits to challenge Trump's executive orders, especially regarding immigration policies.

Getting Tax Burden Wrong

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Taxation Economics Government
  1. Who bears the burden of a tax depends on the effect of the tax on the transaction terms, not just who hands over the money.
  2. Excess burden of taxes includes costs incurred by individuals that nobody receives, even if the government doesn't collect the tax.
  3. Smith's view on taxation aims for incidence of tax burden proportional to income, not necessarily flat rate income tax.

Game Theory and the Santa Clara Pueblo

An Interpersonal Journal • 59 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Game Theory
  1. Changes in policy at a federal level can impact individuals and affect how governance operates.
  2. Game theory can be used to analyze decisions made by tribal governments in situations like the Santa Clara Pueblo case.
  3. Examining historical context and external influences is crucial in understanding the rationale behind policy changes, like those affecting tribal membership.