The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Big Business Has Pam Bondi Fire Trump's Antitrust Chief

BIG by Matt Stoller • 34951 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Regulation Lobbying Corruption Executive Branch Political Economy
  1. Attorney General Pam Bondi fired antitrust chief Gail Slater amid internal conflict and apparent pressure from corporate lobbyists, undermining the division’s independence.
  2. Slater kept some big cases alive but failed to file new major antitrust suits. Her concessions and internal missteps show the populist right couldn’t turn anti-monopoly talk into lasting power.
  3. The firing is a win for corporate interests and weakens federal antitrust capacity under the current administration, even as state prosecutors and judges may now probe lobbyists and possible insider dealings.

Economic Collapse & the Post-American World

Glenn’s Substack • 2318 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy International relations Debt crisis Military Strategy Global Trade
  1. The US faces a serious economic crisis due to high debt levels and declining fiscal responsibility. The country has been unable to effectively address these financial issues since the 2008 crisis.
  2. Efforts to boost US competitiveness, like subsidies and sanctions, often backfire and may harm the economy more. In contrast, countries like China are gaining strength by diversifying their economies and forming new partnerships.
  3. As the US struggles, other countries are building a new economic system that doesn't rely on America. This shift might create a world where multiple powers coexist, rather than one dominant force.

Joe Kent Resigns. Will Others Follow?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Political parties Presidency Intelligence Media
  1. Joe Kent, who led the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest over a potential war with Iran and is being hailed by some as an anti-war dissident.
  2. His resignation letter claims President Trump was misled by Israel and its backers about an imminent Iranian threat, which raises doubts about Kent's reliability as an intelligence witness.
  3. Reactions are divided—Tucker Carlson praised Kent as brave while figures like Tulsi Gabbard defended the president—so it’s unclear whether more officials will follow his lead.

America, and probably the world, stands on a precipice.

Marcus on AI • 13477 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Defense Policy Technology Policy Legislation Civil Liberties Congress Oversight
  1. The Pentagon is pressuring an AI company for full access to its software, which could enable mass surveillance and autonomous weapons — possibly even systems controlling nuclear launches — without humans in the loop.
  2. The move looks like an attempt to bypass Congress and force a rapid corporate policy change under threat, setting a dangerous precedent where a single official can decide nation‑level AI uses.
  3. Decisions about AI of this magnitude need public debate and congressional oversight, not unilateral action; citizens should contact their Senators and Representatives now to demand oversight and legal safeguards against autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.

🚨 BREAKING: Harris Campaign Gives Up. Turns to Shoring Up Congress.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3557 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Parties Political strategy
  1. Kamala Harris's campaign is shifting focus from trying to win the White House to supporting Congress candidates in red states.
  2. This change shows that her team is acknowledging a likely loss in the presidential race and is instead working to boost House and Senate seats.
  3. This strategy mirrors what Bob Dole did in 1996 when he realized he would lose and turned his efforts to encourage Republican turnout in important districts.
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Sam Harris Abuses Logic: What He Gets Wrong About a Trump Presidency, and Why DNC Fear-Mongering Needs to Stop

Popular Rationalism • 634 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Campaign Strategy Media Critique Rhetoric
  1. Sam Harris's arguments about Trump rely on logical fallacies. These include blaming Trump for all political problems without considering current issues or the role of other politicians.
  2. Focusing too much on Trump's personality distracts from discussing important policies and outcomes. Some people think that his administration did achieve things that were good for the country.
  3. Harris's fear-based narrative overlooks the strength of America's political system. Many believe that the U.S. can handle extreme leaders without losing democracy.

Here’s Where I Think the Race Stands

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 4056 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Polls Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. Trump appears to be enjoying the campaign more than Harris, which might give him an edge in the race. People respond to candidates who look relatable and fun.
  2. Polls show a growing support for Trump, suggesting he could win the Electoral College if the election were today. Democrats seem to be worried about their campaign's effectiveness.
  3. Voters are more concerned about their everyday economic struggles than the political drama surrounding Trump. Many feel the current administration isn't helping their financial situation.

Cleared: Police watchdog say ‘no indication’ acting chief constable committed any electoral offence

NN Journal • 218 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Government oversight Legal Accountability
  1. The police watchdog found no evidence that Ivan Balhatchet committed any electoral fraud. His registration at two addresses was just an error by the local authority.
  2. The investigation confirmed that dual registrations can happen due to administrative mistakes. Balhatchet was not at fault as the local authority admitted it was their mistake.
  3. The police commissioner is not pursuing any action against Balhatchet and he remains acting chief constable until a new one is appointed.

The Filibuster Saves the Senate from Itself

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 426 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Senate Congress Legislative Process Voting Rights Party Politics
  1. The filibuster acts as a brake on narrow majorities, stopping them from pushing through sweeping or unpopular changes like nationalizing voting rules.
  2. Majorities often threaten to eliminate the filibuster to get their way. Yet when the other party later controls the Senate, it usually chooses not to abolish the rule either.
  3. Moderates and senators who value institutional stability prefer keeping the filibuster, so it survives repeated attempts to end it.

HUGE: Voters flipping RED in Pennsylvania

COVID Reason • 793 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voter Registration Political parties Public Opinion Campaign Strategy
  1. Republicans in Pennsylvania have gained a lot of new voters this year, especially from Democrats. This change could really impact the upcoming elections.
  2. The data shows that more people are switching their party affiliation to Republican than Democratic, indicating a shift in political support.
  3. Both political parties will need to respond strategically to these changes to stay competitive in the electoral race.

The Most Devastating Report So Far

COVID Reason • 1031 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Government Policy Vaccination Misinformation Social Impact
  1. The government spent nearly $1 billion to promote misleading information about COVID vaccines and masks. This kind of spending could seriously hurt a private company if they did the same.
  2. The PR campaign exaggerated the dangers of COVID and claimed vaccines were very effective, even saying they stopped transmission. This created a loss of trust when real-life results showed otherwise.
  3. The ads scared parents into thinking there were strict health rules for schools unless their kids got vaccinated and masked up. Many of the risks of the vaccines were not properly discussed, leading to confusion.

Calling a fascist a fascist is how you treat a fascist

The Signorile Report • 2278 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Elections Democracy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Vice President Harris openly called Trump a fascist, following the same sentiment from his former military officials. This bold statement aims to emphasize the serious risks of his leadership.
  2. Former military leaders have warned that Trump poses a threat to democracy, and using terms like 'fascist' helps keep this concern in the public eye as the election approaches.
  3. Harris's approach is to use these serious allegations to motivate voters, reminding them of the dangers of Trump's potential return to power.

Israel And Its Supporters Are Causing Attacks On Jewish Institutions

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2305 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Identity politics Extremism Civil Rights Public Opinion
  1. Supporters of Israel often blur the line between the Israeli state and Jewish people, treating criticism of Israel as criticism of all Jews.
  2. Pro-Palestine leftists make careful distinctions between opposing Israeli policies or Zionism and opposing Judaism, but they still get blamed when people attack Jewish institutions.
  3. Because Israel’s supporters dominate media narratives and push the idea that the nation and Jewish people are synonymous, future attacks on Jewish institutions are likely to be blamed on Israel and its apologists, who will be held responsible for creating that link.

1924 Rathbone hearings, US Congress.

Bailiwick News • 1803 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Health Policy
  1. In 1924, Congress held hearings to improve regulations on the sale of viruses and serums, aiming to prevent misleading claims about their effectiveness.
  2. Before 1924, some biological products didn't have clear standards showing their potency or effectiveness, which created confusion.
  3. The discussions back then highlighted the need for better protection for people using these products, similar to what was already in place for animals.

It's Celebrity-Election-Line-Up!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 279 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Celebrity Influence Campaign Strategy Voter Engagement Political endorsements
  1. Celebrities are heavily involved in the election, but their influence on voters might not be as strong as hoped. Many people don’t change their voting choices based on celebrity endorsements.
  2. Taylor Swift stands out as a celebrity who could really sway young voters, especially since she has a significant following among undecided young women. If she actively campaigns, she might make a difference.
  3. Past celebrity involvement has sometimes backfired, like in Hillary Clinton's case in 2016. The focus on celebrity endorsements may not connect well with voters, especially those who feel alienated by elitism.

The One Line Inside VOA’s Lawsuit That Could Change Everything

Weaponized • 21 implied HN points • 24 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Free speech Law Government AI Propaganda
  1. Veteran VOA staff sued, saying Trump administration officials, including the USAGM head, turned the outlet into a propaganda arm and illegally interfered with reporting.
  2. Reporters say negative stories were suppressed and they were sometimes forced to publish White House talking points word-for-word.
  3. The complaint alleges AI-generated or AI-assisted content was used to slip pro-Trump narratives into VOA broadcasts, bypassing editorial safeguards and undermining the outlet’s independence.

Why America's extremes will both fail

Noahpinion • 34882 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Parties Elections Polarization Governance Public Policy Social media Extremism
  1. Modern politics is dominated by highly engaged online extremists while moderates withdraw, and unelected, internet‑savvy staffers and activists push parties toward more extreme positions.
  2. The MAGA movement keeps shrinking its potential coalition by attacking or alienating minority and immigrant groups, which makes it unsustainable for winning broad majorities.
  3. Progressive extremism often erodes the liberal institutions it relies on. Soft‑on‑crime policies and governance failures make public services and cities less functional, undermining long‑term support.

Beware The Yard Sign Thieves!

Vicky Ward Investigates • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Politics Activism Social Issues
  1. Yard sign theft is becoming a problem as election day approaches, especially in some communities. People are stealing signs for various political candidates, causing frustration for those trying to show their support.
  2. In a town where many liberal artists live, the focus is on the missing Harris/Walz signs, which keep getting stolen. This makes it harder for those wanting to display their political views.
  3. Replacing these stolen signs can be costly for residents, as they often have to buy new ones multiple times. The ongoing thefts are creating tension between different political views in the area.

Reality Check

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2537 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polls Candidates Political trends Voter Behavior
  1. Polling shows a tight race, which might favor Trump since he's historically done well in similar situations. Key voters who are likely to turn out are showing signs they might back him.
  2. Democrats, especially Kamala Harris, are facing issues with voter turnout and are seen as frustrated. Trump, on the other hand, appears to be energized and is campaigning actively in swing states.
  3. Many Americans feel dissatisfied with their current situation, and they trust Republicans more on major issues like the economy and crime. This shift in sentiment could impact the election results.

Where does a liberal go from here?

Noahpinion • 95001 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Public Policy History Civil Rights Party Politics Urban Policy
  1. Liberal ideals like freedom, equality, economic security, tolerance, and democratic inclusion have produced real, lasting gains and are still worth defending.
  2. Recent progressive overreach in culture, governance, and policy eroded public trust and helped fuel a conservative backlash.
  3. The way forward is to try again: learn from mistakes, recommit to practical, principle-driven liberalism, and rebuild steadily instead of abandoning the project.

Record Low Crime Rates Are Real, Not Just Reporting Bias Or Improved Medical Care

Astral Codex Ten • 25534 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Law enforcement Public Policy Statistics Violence
  1. U.S. violent and property crime rates are at or near historic lows, with the murder rate possibly the lowest in 250 years and many crimes at multi-decade lows.
  2. The decline looks real rather than just underreporting, because independent victim surveys, consistently reported crimes like car theft, and murder counts all show similar downward trends.
  3. Improved medical care doesn’t explain the drop in murders—lethality per violent incident has stayed stable or injuries have grown worse—and researchers offer multiple plausible explanations (technology, policing, demographics, lead decline, etc.) without a single agreed cause.

The Eerie Calm Before the Storm

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8393 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Censorship Legal issues Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. Sometimes people feel nervous about discussing certain topics because of new rules and laws. It can feel safer to keep some things private.
  2. During important times, like elections, some writers might decide to share more sensitive content through paid posts. This isn't to force anyone to pay, but to protect their ideas.
  3. It's okay for readers to see a few more paywalled pieces, as it may just be about being cautious rather than a change in the usual routine.

EXCLUSIVE: The FBI's Secret Stash Finally Uncovered

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5866 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Agencies Intelligence Surveillance Law enforcement Congress Oversight Civil Liberties National Security
  1. The FBI has long kept a separate, non-searchable "prohibited access" filing system that only a very small number of senior officials can access.
  2. Whistleblowers and congressional pressure have prompted a task force to begin examining decades of those hidden files, and some records have already been turned over to Congress.
  3. The files reportedly include off-books surveillance and politically sensitive investigations spanning both parties since at least 1999, raising serious oversight and constitutional concerns.

The Oracle Mouths Off, Part 2

In the Writing Burrow • 6068 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Electoral Politics Political violence Governance Civil Rights Political Movements
  1. If Trump wins, he may start targeting any Republicans who disagree with him, and even some Democrats. This could lead to a lot of conflict and violence.
  2. Trump could use the National Guard and Army for his own purposes, potentially creating a dangerous situation for those who oppose him.
  3. There's concern that leaders like Vance might have broader, more fanatical plans that could hurt many people, including women, under strict ideologies.

SHOW NOTES: We Have Some Trends

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1498 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political trends Campaigns Polls
  1. Early voting trends are showing an unusual pattern in several states, like Nevada where Republicans are voting more than Democrats. This could indicate a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the election.
  2. In Georgia, a significant number of early voters didn't participate in the last two elections, and there’s a noticeable decline in black voters compared to previous years. This change could affect overall turnout and results.
  3. Polling shows the race is tight, with a sense of momentum building for Trump. However, the election outcome still depends on actual voter turnout, and anything can happen between now and then.

The Foreign Money Behind America’s Anti-War Protests

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Foreign influence Foreign Policy National Security Activism Political Movements
  1. Leftist activists quickly mobilized large anti-war protests after U.S. strikes on Iran, using the same slogans and tactics seen in recent anti‑ICE and anti‑Israel rallies.
  2. The ANSWER Coalition functions as an umbrella for far‑left groups, coordinating a demonstration‑industrial ecosystem where organizations share infrastructure, messaging, and reach to produce disruptive rallies.
  3. Many of these organizations are tied to hostile foreign actors, including Chinese‑backed networks, which raises concerns about outside funding, coordination, and possible legal or ethical problems.

Weekend Report: What's going on?

The Signorile Report • 1159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Media Public Opinion
  1. The Washington Post faced backlash for not endorsing Vice President Harris, as it had been planned, due to the owner's concerns about government contracts. Many people are upset about this decision.
  2. Donald Trump was late to his rally, which caused some of his supporters to leave, while Kamala Harris had a massive crowd in Texas with star guests like Willie Nelson and Beyoncé.
  3. Democrats are focusing more on state legislative races, seeing them as important for boosting their chances in the presidential election. This strategy aims to strengthen local support and influence.

Democratic economic policy in the age of AI

Noahpinion • 15823 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Labor Policy Tech Policy Fiscal policy Industrial Policy Social Policy Tax policy
  1. Craft economic policy that’s robust to huge uncertainty from fast AI and other tech changes, so it will work under many different future scenarios.
  2. The 2010s progressive playbook of demand stimulus and big care subsidies ran into problems—macro conditions shifted to inflation, subsidies can push up provider prices, and promised billionaire taxes didn’t materialize.
  3. Move toward an agenda of abundance: have government take an ownership stake in the corporate system and push policies that promote and support human work so gains from AI are widely shared.

Ben Shapiro: Criticism Isn’t Censorship

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2109 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Conservatism Media Criticism Political Figures Right-wing Political Debate
  1. Calling public figures 'cowardly' or 'unhinged' is not censorship but part of the normal give-and-take of political debate.
  2. The critique of Tucker Carlson centers on his Russia trip, praise of Moscow institutions, and his decision to platform Nick Fuentes, which indicate he has drifted from traditional conservatism.
  3. The issue with Megyn Kelly arose from her defense or mischaracterization of Candace Owens' remarks about Erika Kirk, showing the criticism targets specific actions and associations rather than a single issue like Israel.

Strange Bedfellows

Campaign Trails • 4625 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Political History Partisanship
  1. People from different political backgrounds can still agree on important issues, like protecting democracy. It's curious to see alliances form where you least expect them.
  2. Supporting a candidate like Kamala Harris doesn't mean changing beliefs or plans. It's more about attracting voters from all sides for a better chance at winning an election.
  3. Historically, reaching out to people from the opposing party has led to successful campaigns. Winning broad support is key to pushing forward important policies after elections.

The near impossibility of speaking with MAGA about Harris

The Signorile Report • 2298 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Debate Political Discourse Media Commentary Voter Engagement Public Opinion
  1. Some Trump supporters struggle to pronounce Kamala Harris's name correctly, which shows a lack of respect for her. It can reflect a deeper unwillingness to engage in meaningful conversation.
  2. When discussing political issues, many people seem more interested in arguing than having a civil debate. This makes it hard to talk about anything productive.
  3. Mispronouncing someone's name can signal disrespect and arrogance, making it challenging to have a respectful discussion about politics. It's important to start conversations with respect for one another.

Why are federal agents gunning down Americans in the streets?

Noahpinion • 64118 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Civil Rights Federal Government Public Opinion Extremism Political violence
  1. Federal immigration agents have repeatedly used excessive and sometimes lethal force in situations that look unjustified, with vehicle stops and shootings becoming a disturbing pattern.
  2. Political rhetoric and rushed recruiting have fostered an aggressive, poorly vetted enforcement culture, and officials often defend or excuse violent actions instead of holding agents accountable.
  3. This trend risks normalizing authoritarian tactics and racialized hostility, and it will take sustained public and political opposition to stop these abuses and restore constitutional limits.

How Powerful People Became Obsessed w/ Section 230

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1731 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tech Policy Legislation Regulation Free speech Congress Surveillance Media
  1. Independent creators are stuck on a publishing hamster wheel where taking breaks risks losing subscribers, which leads to burnout and constant work.
  2. There’s almost no funding for long investigative projects, so creators rely on paid subscriptions to subsidize important but unprofitable coverage; without steady support those projects can’t happen.
  3. Section 230 has become a political lightning rod full of misconceptions, and repealing it would likely make big platforms more powerful, so myth-busting and clear public education are crucial.

Interview With America's Exiled Speech Dissident, Dimitri Simes

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2758 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Press freedom First Amendment Sanctions Russia Relations National Security Election interference Legal Cases
  1. A longtime U.S. journalist was criminally charged under a sanctions law for hosting and being paid by a Russian TV program, an unprecedented use of IEEPA that effectively criminalizes certain foreign media employment.
  2. An aggressive FBI raid confiscated many personal belongings and the journalist now lives in Russia under indictment, showing severe personal consequences and that mainstream U.S. outlets largely distanced themselves despite past reliance on his expertise.
  3. The case raises serious First Amendment and press-freedom concerns because the show was in Russian for a Russian audience and there are no public espionage or clear disinformation allegations, creating a chilling precedent for journalists and others paid by foreign outlets.

Hurricane Helene and the Lost Mandate of Heaven

Postcards From Barsoom • 12273 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disaster Response Government Accountability Public Perception Civil Society
  1. Hurricane Helene caused a lot of destruction and loss of life, with many bodies not being recovered. The situation is dire, and there's confusion about the real number of victims.
  2. There are reports of the government not properly responding to the disaster, leading to frustration among locals. Many people believe the government is prioritizing other issues over helping those affected by the hurricane.
  3. Despite the government's slow response, local communities and private groups stepped up to help quickly. This shows how important civil society is in times of crisis when official support is lacking.

Universal Suffrage is a Suicide Pact

Postcards From Barsoom • 9795 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Democracy Political Power Electoral Systems
  1. Politics is about managing violence and conflict. It's easier to count votes than to resolve issues with fighting.
  2. Democracy can turn into mob rule, where the majority may abuse their power. To avoid this, certain rights should be protected beyond what people can vote on.
  3. The system of voting has changed, allowing more people to participate, but some argue this could weaken the culture and stability of the nation.

Political Backflow From Europe

Astral Codex Ten • 26154 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Welfare Public Opinion Comparative Politics Conservatism Media
  1. European political stories and policy problems often spill into American debates even when they don't fit, like blaming U.S. young people for pension issues that are mostly European in origin.
  2. Immigration looks different in Europe and the U.S.: some European countries show higher welfare use and crime among immigrants, but in America immigrants on average use less welfare and commit fewer crimes than native-born people.
  3. Both political sides sometimes ignore these differences, letting European anecdotes shape U.S. opinion; it's better to admit what's true about Europe and then refocus arguments on American data and context.

Arthur Brooks: Face It. You’re Addicted to Politics.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Political Behavior Public Opinion Democracy Civic engagement Mental health
  1. Constantly consuming political outrage and hot-button news harms your mood and mental health.
  2. Many people are hooked on following the horse-race and punditry of politics instead of substantive policy details.
  3. Being addicted to political drama doesn’t strengthen democracy — it mainly wrecks personal well-being.

50 Years of Secrets: Why You Should Care About the FBI's 'Prohibited Access' Files

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4232 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence National Security Surveillance Civil Liberties Congressional Oversight Law enforcement Whistleblowing
  1. Hidden "prohibited access" FBI files could reveal decades of off-books domestic surveillance and misconduct, similar to past intelligence scandals.
  2. Since 9/11 the FBI shifted toward intelligence and political spying, expanding secrecy and intrusive collection practices with weak oversight.
  3. Releasing these files to Congress is a rare chance for transparency and reform, but the disclosures may be incomplete or blocked unless sustained political pressure forces real accountability.