The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

CROSSPOST: STEVE SCHMIDT: Bari Weiss killed CBS News in 76 days

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Extremism Immigration Foreign Policy Human Rights
  1. A powerful media executive blocked a 60 Minutes story about the Salvadoran supermax CECOT, putting political and billionaire interests ahead of investigative journalism.
  2. Long-standing journalistic standards and public trust have been eroded by corporate choices and partisan leadership, turning serious reporting into propaganda.
  3. Modern MAGA-style politics openly celebrates cruelty and uses media and algorithms to amplify it, creating conditions compared to concentration camps and threatening democracy and human dignity.

A Pregnant Woman Cannot Finalize a Divorce in Missouri

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 2567 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Women's Rights Abortion Legislation Political parties
  1. In Missouri, pregnant women are not allowed to finalize a divorce - a law in place since 1973.
  2. The reasoning behind the law is seen by some as a way to delay final custody decisions until after the birth, but it is controversial.
  3. Efforts are being made by Democratic Missouri State Representative Ashley Aune to change this law, highlighting broader tensions around women's rights in the state.

The Man Behind Trump’s Attack on the Fed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 245 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Agencies Regulatory Oversight Investigations Executive Branch Monetary Policy Political Actors
  1. Bill Pulte runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a little-known agency he has turned into a combative and influential force in Washington and on Wall Street.
  2. He has actively attacked Federal Reserve officials: he’s been tied to subpoenas in a probe of Chair Jerome Powell, mocked up a “wanted” poster of Powell, and even traveled with Trump, while denying knowledge of the probe.
  3. Pulte has used the FHFA to refer alleged criminal cases against Fed officials (for example, against governor Lisa Cook) to the Justice Department, fueling legal and political battles over the Fed’s independence and presidential authority.

Jeffrey Epstein Was Obsessed With My Tweets Just Before His Death—And Now I Know Why

Proof • 125 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandals Investigations Political corruption Legal Cases Media Coverage Elite Networks Conspiracy Theories
  1. Newly released Epstein Files show that, in the weeks before his arrest and death, Jeffrey Epstein was obsessively focused on the thesis behind the 2019 book Proof of Conspiracy and on related tweets.
  2. The files reveal a surprising explanation for why he fixated on that thesis.
  3. The release includes alleged secret videos tied to Steve Bannon and other materials that hint at wider connections related to these revelations.

Jim Brown & Me, The Serious Dangers of AI, UN Critical of US Police Brutality, Gangs in the Sheriffs Dept., Ted Cruz Investigates Beer, Laura Ingraham Won't Apologize, Paul Simon Sings

kareem • 6112 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police brutality Discrimination
  1. Personal anecdotes can bring depth to historical events and movements.
  2. US must address police brutality, discrimination, and implement thorough recruit training.
  3. Reforming law enforcement internally, such as tackling deputy gangs, is essential for community safety.
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Texas Secures Its Southern Borders In Direct Opposition To The Illegitimate Federal Government & The Captured SCOTUS

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3262 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Border Security Supreme Court National Guard
  1. Texas and 25 other red states are joining forces to secure their southern borders against the federal government and the Supreme Court
  2. The Cloward-Piven Strategy aims to destabilize society through overwhelming bureaucracy and unfettered immigration
  3. Texas is defying the captured Supreme Court and ramping up efforts to stop the border invasion

CROSSPOST: MARCY WHEELER: Annals of Sanewashing: NYT Labels Trump’s Confession of Psychological Unfitness as Leadership

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Democracy Authoritarianism Foreign Policy Leadership Political Psychology
  1. Major media outlets often sanitize or reframe a leader's incoherent or dangerous remarks as normal leadership, which makes them seem less alarming to the public.
  2. Some leaders' policy talk can be driven by personal psychological needs, like a desire to 'own' territory, and that ego-driven approach can harm alliances and national security.
  3. Access journalism trades critical scrutiny for access, letting narcissistic or reckless behavior be presented as respectable policy instead of holding leaders accountable, which weakens democratic oversight.

Dare To Hope

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2673 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Issues Public Policy Activism International relations Media influence
  1. A large demonstration for Gaza in Australia featured notable figures like Julian Assange. This event shows hope and growing public support for the cause.
  2. The term 'hasbara,' used to describe Israel's public relations efforts, is being replaced due to its negative reputation. This change highlights ongoing issues about transparency and accountability.
  3. Accusations of antisemitism against critics of Israel often lack evidence. This tactic is used to silence opposition and distract from discussions about human rights for Palestinians.

Stopping The Gaza Holocaust Is The First Step Toward A Healthy World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2491 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Activism Social justice Government Accountability
  1. The situation in Palestine highlights many deeper issues in society, such as racism and government corruption. It's seen as a crucial moral issue that reflects the state of the world.
  2. Opposing violence and injustice in Gaza is essential for any healthy society. If people ignore such serious issues, it shows a lack of empathy and awareness.
  3. To create positive change in the world, focusing on groups and individuals who stand against oppression in Gaza is key. They are likely to have better ideas and actions moving forward.

Thoughts on the Partisan Attack on Biden's Memory

The Message Box • 2948 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation Political Impact
  1. The Special Counsel report attacking Biden's memory will keep his age and competence in the spotlight for some time, potentially affecting his reelection campaign.
  2. The report is seen as a partisan hit job, with attacks on Biden's memory being used for political damage rather than legal consequences.
  3. The media coverage and public response to this report will contribute to shaping public opinion on Biden's age and fitness for office.

The Numbers Behind the Minneapolis ‘Surge’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 190 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Homeland security Civil Rights Presidential politics Government oversight
  1. About 3,000 federal immigration agents spent eight weeks in the Minneapolis area. They made roughly 3,500 arrests — about one arrest per officer.
  2. Two fatal shootings by agents during the operation sparked bipartisan outrage and a major public-relations crisis, leading the president to say enforcement would be scaled back.
  3. The operation’s numerical results are being weighed against its political fallout and community impact, raising questions about whether such visible enforcement surges are worth the costs.

NOW FREE: The Monologue That Got Tucker Carlson Fired

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3412 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Speech Leadership Journalism Media Government
  1. Politicians should not censor speech or control thoughts; citizens have the right to criticize leaders.
  2. There is opposition to violence, such as against violent crime, late-term abortion, and the war in Ukraine.
  3. Discussions around January 6th events and the characterization of violence are debated, including the actions of Ray Epps.

Arkansas Trans Ban Unconstitutional: Judge Declares 311 Statements Of Fact In Ruling

Erin In The Morning • 6092 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transgender rights Health Benefits
  1. U.S. District Judge Moody declared Arkansas trans ban unconstitutional with over 311 statements of fact in the ruling
  2. The ruling sets a precedent for ongoing legal battles with potential impact across multiple states
  3. Judge Moody discredited state's experts, highlighted the irreparable harm of banning care, rare detransition cases, and misrepresentation of evidence

If Salvador Dali painted a Supreme Court appeal

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3400 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Constitution Supreme Court Presidency
  1. Trump's appeal to the Supreme Court regarding his ban from Colorado is seen as surreal because it interprets the 14th Amendment in a peculiar way.
  2. Legal scholars argue that the 14th Amendment should bar insurrectionists from office, without the need for them to hold office first.
  3. Trump's appeal presents a bizarre argument that attempts to sidestep the 14th Amendment's provisions regarding disqualifying insurrectionists.

Gaza Doesn't Need Our Tears, It Needs Our Anger

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2440 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism International relations Human Rights Social Issues Media influence
  1. Gaza needs our anger, not just sadness. It's important to feel rage against the ongoing injustice instead of simply mourning the situation.
  2. Some public figures express sorrow about Gaza, but it can promote passivity instead of action. We need to recognize it as an ongoing crime that requires an urgent response.
  3. Anger can be a healthy emotion when directed appropriately. It can push people to take meaningful actions and challenge those responsible for suffering.

Twenty-two observations about American politics

Matt’s Five Points • 419 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Public Policy Governance Political theory
  1. The Republican Party is likely to move away from a national abortion ban due to changing public opinions on the issue. This change could lead to policies that are more moderate and similar to those in other countries.
  2. Many voters are concerned about Biden's age and health, which could lead to significant political shifts. There are worries that his age might hurt the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
  3. Getting involved in local politics can be very rewarding and impactful. Participating in community decisions can lead to real changes and is a more effective way to influence politics than just voting or donating.

Actually, sometimes polls underestimate Democrats

Silver Bulletin • 297 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Elections Public Opinion Campaigns Voting behavior
  1. Polls in 2025 were noticeably off, with average errors around seven points and an overall Republican bias near six points. New Jersey’s governor race was a major outlier where polls missed by roughly nine points.
  2. Bias shifts by cycle: presidential years have tended to underestimate Republicans because low‑propensity voters show up for presidential elections but are underrepresented in surveys, while midterm years usually have less bias. Pollsters’ weighting choices — like relying on recalled vote choice or past electorates — likely made 2025 polls less accurate.
  3. A handful of pollsters did well and most polls correctly picked winners, but small sample sizes and changing turnout patterns make single‑year ratings noisy. That uncertainty raises the risk that pollsters could overcorrect before the 2026 midterms.

US Internal Refugee Crisis: 130-260k Trans People Have Already Fled

Erin In The Morning • 6033 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Transgender rights Refugee Crisis
  1. A growing number of transgender individuals are fleeing their home states due to anti-trans legislation.
  2. Data reveals that 130-260k transgender people have already left their communities in the US.
  3. States are enacting sanctuary laws to protect transgender individuals and their families from persecution.

POSIWID and the Moderate Liberal Meltdown

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 3478 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Policy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. POSIWID principle emphasizes that the purpose of a system is what it does, leading to accountability and prevention of excuses.
  2. Political discourse on the right is increasingly incorporating the POSIWID principle to analyze and address complex system-level issues.
  3. There is a disconnect in moderate liberal views, as they advocate for meritocracy while ignoring the actual results of policies and systems, highlighting the importance of honesty in addressing societal issues.

Trump just rug-pulled the China hawks on TikTok

Noahpinion • 21470 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Elections Propaganda Political Influence
  1. Trump's recent actions regarding TikTok have stunned many conservative China hawks, revealing potential ulterior motives and alliances.
  2. The debate on forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok involves concerns about data privacy, propaganda dissemination, and national security, highlighting the app's significant influence.
  3. The situation with TikTok exemplifies broader international conflicts, potential financial influences, and political interplays that impact policymaking and national security strategies.

Why is Russiagate's Origin Story Redacted?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8352 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Investigations FBI Political Scandals
  1. The FBI recently released a document linked to the Russiagate investigation, but most of it was redacted, creating more questions about its content. This redaction raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the FBI.
  2. This investigation into Donald Trump as a possible Russian agent began soon after he fired FBI Director James Comey, which is unusual and raises doubts about the reasons behind the probe. People are questioning what evidence there was to justify this serious investigation.
  3. The idea of someone being 'unwittingly' involved in activities for the Russian government is confusing and has sparked discussions about the validity of such broad investigations. Many experts think these types of probes often lack a solid legal foundation.

Abortion, Every Day (1.29.24)

All in Her Head by Jessica Valenti • 3125 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Supreme Court Anti-Abortion Movement
  1. Hospital flagged patient for using the word 'abortion', showing the anti-choice movement's impact on healthcare language.
  2. Republican strategy includes bills like the 'Abortion is not Health Care Act' to restrict abortion access.
  3. Legal battles and state rulings are shaping the future of abortion rights in different states.

The People's House

Thinking about... • 709 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Democracy History Public Policy Civil Rights
  1. The White House used to feel like a place for everyone, but now it seems more exclusive and closed off. This change gives a sense of loss and rejection of shared spaces.
  2. The destruction and current state of the White House reflect a mindset where leaders treat public spaces as private property. This attitude undermines the idea of democracy and community.
  3. Rebuilding America requires changing the focus from the past to a better future, emphasizing collective work and courage instead of division and barriers.

Public Choice Links, 1/9/2026

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Housing Regulation Taxation Healthcare Political Economy
  1. Basic goods and services like housing, healthcare, childcare, education, and electricity are getting less affordable even while the economy grows, and many argue the root causes are supply-restricting regulations and demand-boosting subsidies.
  2. Policies that subsidize consumers or providers can raise overall demand and costs, shift burdens to taxpayers, and create opportunities for fraud or misuse.
  3. Effective cooperation and lasting policy fixes depend on careful systems of monitoring and incentives rather than goodwill alone, but political realities — like tax rules that penalize rentals and powerful interest groups opposing liability reforms — make those fixes hard to implement.

When No One Can Take an L, Or the Upside of Enclave Politics

Freddie deBoer • 3527 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Civil Rights Political strategy Political culture
  1. Enclave politics is when people with similar beliefs stick together to feel safe and accepted. This helps them find community but can prevent them from making real change in the wider world.
  2. Being in an enclave makes people more aware of their positions and challenges, which can sometimes lead to a sense of powerlessness. However, it also encourages honest discussions about politics and reality.
  3. While extreme views can come from staying in these enclaves, being too disconnected from public sentiment can lead to ineffective activism. It's important to balance holding strong values with understanding the current political climate.

The Titanic Sub Saga, Jim Jordan's Remark Backfires, DeSantis' Street Poop, Dan Crenshaw Wants Biden to Dive for Debris, Lawyers Use AI Fake Cases, Fox News Alters Quotes, "Fiddler on the Roof" Sings

kareem • 5975 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Politicians Media News Social Issues
  1. The story of the Titanic submarine tragedy reveals societal value placed on lives.
  2. Blaming the Titanic sub deaths on 'wokeness' was misguided.
  3. Different perspectives on faith and science emerged from the Titanic sub and Greek shipwreck tragedies.

Why Democrats won't build their own Joe Rogan

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10689 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Influencers Democratic Party Conservatism
  1. The right has built a strong network of influencers who promote their message, but the left lacks similar support and reach in media.
  2. Conservative content creators often receive substantial funding and institutional backing, allowing them to grow rapidly and gain credibility.
  3. The Democratic Party seems uninterested in fostering a progressive media ecosystem, making it hard for left-leaning influencers to compete.

TGIF: In a Sense, Aren’t We All African American?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3111 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy News Society Security
  1. The TSA has lifted the rule that forced people to remove their shoes at airport security, which many busy travelers are celebrating. This change is seen as a small win for convenience amidst larger issues of privacy and security.
  2. The TSA's security measures often feel more like a performance than real safety, with studies showing low effectiveness in catching dangerous items. Many feel that the process is more about making people feel secure rather than actually providing safety.
  3. Overall, the article reflects on the balance between security measures and personal privacy, highlighting how people have to give up certain freedoms for perceived safety. It's a reminder that safety and comfort can sometimes conflict.

An on-air chinwag about the Sall Grover event in Christchurch NZ; the venue with more backbone than all our councils combined; and fighting back against gender ideology.

A B’Old Woman • 419 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Activism Media Commentary Political Debate
  1. The Sall Grover event in Christchurch had a positive atmosphere, showing a shift in public opinion against gender ideology compared to three years ago.
  2. Collaboration between different groups is important to effectively challenge gender ideology and its impacts.
  3. Reality Check Radio offers a platform for diverse voices and discussions, highlighting views that mainstream media may overlook.

Donald Trump's perfect world of unlimited power

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3498 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Presidency Impeachment Power Constitution
  1. Donald Trump's legal team argued for immunity from prosecution for his actions as president unless impeached.
  2. Recent court rulings have rejected Trump's claims of immunity from civil lawsuits.
  3. Trump's plans if re-elected include extreme actions like replacing civil service workers and invoking the Insurrection Act.

March 3, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Military operations Executive Power Congressional Oversight Defense Spending War Powers
  1. The U.S. has launched a large-scale military offensive against Iran called Operation Epic Fury, involving tens of thousands of troops, aircraft carriers and jets, and has suffered casualties while military leaders warned the strike is risky because of depleted missile defenses and limited allied support.
  2. The fighting has triggered a scramble to evacuate hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals as airports and airspace are disrupted, and the operation has already cost U.S. taxpayers over $1 billion with more emergency funding likely to be requested.
  3. The president invoked the War Powers Act without citing an urgent threat, sidestepping the Constitution’s design that Congress debate and authorize wars and the necessary military spending, which removes a layer of public accountability.

What do Statistics NZ and Sall Grover - Aussie femina suprema & creator of the Giggle app - have in common?

A B’Old Woman • 819 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Censorship Human Rights Data Privacy
  1. Sall Grover created the Giggle app for women, but faced legal issues when a trans woman was removed from it. This highlights ongoing debates about gender and women's spaces.
  2. Stats NZ has changed its census questions from 'sex' to 'gender', raising concerns about the reliability of data. Many feel this could mix up important information about biological females.
  3. There is a call for better representation from gender-critical voices in discussions about gender identity. People want to ensure that women's perspectives are included in these important conversations.

The Beautiful Ironies of Epstein Conspiracy Theories

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3096 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Political Analysis Trump Politics Right-wing Politics
  1. There is not much evidence to support claims that Epstein was trafficking underage girls for blackmail. Many of these theories are based more on speculation than facts.
  2. Epstein died by suicide while Trump was president, and Trump has connections to Epstein that some people ignore when discussing conspiracy theories.
  3. Conservative groups are more inclined to create elaborate conspiracy theories around Epstein, while the Democrats are just now beginning to respond to the situation and call for more transparency.