The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

TGIF: War Room Correspondent

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4739 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Opinion Elections Policy
  1. Trump's press team is changing how the White House briefing room works by opening it to more journalists, which is a big shift from the past. It means that anyone can now apply for access, rather than just be invited.
  2. Federal workers are upset about being told to return to the office, with some even suing over how the message was delivered. The email they received wasn't well received, and many are worried about juggling work and childcare.
  3. Colombia's president wrote a strange poem in response to Trump after initially refusing to take back migrants. This unusual communication shows the unpredictable nature of international relations in the current political climate.

Getting to Denmark

Wrong Side of History • 460 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Foreign Relations National Identity Populism
  1. Denmark is admired for its wealth and egalitarian society, especially its history of helping during tough times, like World War II. The rescue of Danish Jews shows the country's strong sense of community and morality.
  2. Denmark's immigration policies are stricter than many think, aiming to protect social solidarity and public support for welfare. This approach challenges the idea that all progressive countries should have open immigration.
  3. Despite international criticism, Denmark's handling of immigration has not led to chaos. Political stability remains, and the public's views align with the government's policies, unlike in some other European countries.

I Burned a Quran. The British Government Punished Me for Blasphemy.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2471 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civil Liberties Legal issues International Law
  1. A man was punished in Britain for burning a Quran during a protest against Islamic extremism. He believes this action was a form of political expression.
  2. The judge viewed his act as hateful, which raises concerns about freedom of speech and whether Britain is reintroducing blasphemy laws.
  3. The case highlights tensions between offensive political protests and the legal protections for free speech, especially when the expression is controversial.

February 26, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Healthcare Social Security Oversight Civil Rights Foreign Policy Economy Disinformation
  1. The administration is in overt campaign mode, using claims of widespread immigrant fraud and withholding federal funds to punish blue states and shift attention away from policy choices that shortened Medicare and Social Security solvency.
  2. High‑profile investigations and depositions around Epstein and related records have exposed possible DOJ withholding of documents and raised serious concerns about political interference and cover‑ups involving powerful figures.
  3. Democratic norms and civil rights are under pressure, with efforts to centralize control over elections, new laws invalidating transgender IDs, and dangerous Border Patrol practices that demonstrate an erosion of protections for vulnerable people.

Chartbook 353 How Munich got Maga-ed, or Vance, bull**** & the European furore.

Chartbook • 4306 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Populism Security Immigration Political parties
  1. MAGA politics often come off as confusing and illogical, but they do pose a real threat. Leaders like J.D. Vance play on nationalistic ideas, creating divisions rather than solving actual problems.
  2. Europe's relationship with the U.S. is strained, especially after Vance's speech at the Munich Conference. Many Europeans feel they might have to treat the U.S. as a foreign country due to these differences in political style and values.
  3. For Europe to dismiss radical right-wing ideas effectively, it needs to develop its own security strategies. Relying solely on American support could backfire and bring MAGA-style politics into European conversations.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Transcript - America This Week, August 22, 2025: "Is the New York Times a Government-in-Exile?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1403 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Public Opinion Constitution
  1. The New York Times is behaving as if it's a government in exile, questioning the current elected government's decisions and suggesting reforms.
  2. There seems to be a push from the Times to increase its own power, reflecting a desire for influence over how the government operates.
  3. Recent discussions hint at a belief that there may be a fundamental flaw in the Constitution that limits government effectiveness, as explored in recent articles.

Frisbees and Flatulence

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1737 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Legislation Climate change Judicial Decisions Partisan Politics
  1. The proposed change to the EPA's endangerment finding will focus more on legal issues rather than the science behind climate change. It’s unlikely to challenge whether greenhouse gases are harmful or not.
  2. The definition of 'air pollution' in the Clean Air Act is broad and doesn't easily allow for reinterpretation. Both past administrations have recognized greenhouse gases as pollutants, which complicates any efforts to change that.
  3. To create stable environmental policy, Congress needs to address greenhouse gas regulations directly. This could help avoid the back-and-forth changes between different administrations.

Notes On The Bezos Debacle At The Washington Post

Big Technology • 6630 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Journalism Ethics
  1. Jeff Bezos didn't understand his audience at the Washington Post. By not endorsing a candidate, he disappointed many subscribers who expected a clear stance.
  2. Bezos might be trying to change the newspaper's direction. It's possible he's breaking from past norms to create something new, but it's still unclear what that is.
  3. While the idea of not endorsing candidates is interesting, the timing was poor. This decision made people question the newspaper's independence and hurt its trustworthiness.

Roblox's illicit fruit economy + ChatGBT

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Internet regulation Government Control
  1. Lawmakers are considering a new bill called KOSA that could limit freedom on the internet. It claims to keep kids safe, but may actually give the government a lot of control.
  2. KOSA could make platforms monitor young people's activities online, which raises concerns about privacy and trust. It's important to think about how this impacts kids' online experiences.
  3. The discussion around KOSA shows a ongoing conflict between safety and freedom on the internet. Finding a balance between protecting kids and preserving their rights is crucial.

Are carers of New Zealand’s gender-confused kids in state care now being told they must transition them to the opposite sex?

A B’Old Woman • 399 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Gender Children Public Service Research
  1. In New Zealand, there are new policies that suggest foster carers must help transition gender-nonconforming children to the opposite sex. This is causing concern among some people.
  2. A request for information about how many children in state care are being transitioned revealed that the government doesn't have clear data on this issue, which raises questions about their policy-making processes.
  3. Critics argue that current policies are based on flawed research and may be influenced by a generation that supports transitional practices without proper scrutiny.

Things Worth Remembering: How Warriors Prepare

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2216 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military History Leadership Education Biography
  1. Good leaders often prepare by learning from history. They read about past battles and military strategies to equip themselves for future challenges.
  2. George Washington was unsure of his abilities but accepted leadership, showing that self-study can help build confidence and skills.
  3. The U.S. Army values learning from past experiences, emphasizing that preparation can save lives in real situations.

Georgia's Election Officials Are Getting Ready To Cheat Again

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 4265 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Fraud Legal battle
  1. Georgia election officials are accused of cheating in the 2020 election and are suspected of preparing to cheat again in the future.
  2. Evidence of missing ballots and fraudulent activities have been discovered and ignored by Georgia election officials.
  3. There are concerns that Georgia may continue to have unfair elections unless certain officials are removed from office.

Political Economy Links, 12/08/2025

In My Tribe • 334 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Economics Military Strategy Social Change Cultural critique
  1. Textile manufacturing has played a crucial role in economic progress by turning agricultural resources into industrial growth. It's tied to how societies can develop through demand and productivity.
  2. Using 'we' in political discussions can create a false sense of unity and responsibility. It’s important to focus on individual action instead of a vague collective identity.
  3. Changes in military technology shape society and require new ways of organizing. Countries must adapt quickly to survive, especially with emerging technologies like drones.

After Trump Was Shot, He Called Me

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1993 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Events Public Figures Media News Coverage
  1. Salena Zito was very close to Donald Trump when he was shot, raising her personal stakes in the situation.
  2. After the shooting, Trump called Zito to check on her and her family's well-being, showing his concern despite his own serious situation.
  3. Zito found it surprising that neither she nor her family felt shaken immediately after the incident, suggesting they may process their feelings later.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Investigations Media Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

Gavin Newsom as the Adult in the Room.

Breaking the News • 2231 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Public Speaking Political Communication Crisis Management Rhetoric
  1. High-stakes public speeches can show how leaders should communicate in times of uncertainty. They need to connect emotionally and intellectually with the audience.
  2. A successful speech often feels conversational, as if the speaker is talking directly to the audience rather than delivering a formal address. This can help make important points feel more relatable and urgent.
  3. Effective speeches are concise and free of unnecessary details. They focus on clear, simple language to convey the message directly.

The six-minute video speaks louder than words

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 3714 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Gun Control Political Response Election 2024
  1. Watching the six-minute video of police responding to a school shooting shows their professional courage and dedication.
  2. Politicians who fail to address dangers faced by first responders exhibit cowardice.
  3. The importance of responsible gun control and the need for a holistic approach to understanding and preventing gun violence.

Chartbook 399: Columbia University, the Trump administration and "ad hoc governance": Iterations of the "Unstate".

Chartbook • 1688 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Education Regulation Trump administration Legal issues
  1. Columbia University's deal with the Trump administration shows a new way of governing through specific agreements, which raises concerns about fairness and legality.
  2. This kind of deal-making in governance is different from traditional regulation and could undermine the independence of universities and the law.
  3. The idea of governance being shaped by ad hoc deals reflects a bigger trend in how power operates today, impacting not just education but society as a whole.

Offending Zionists Is Good, Actually

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2407 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Media influence Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. It's okay to upset people who support harmful actions. If your words make them angry, it often means you're standing up for what's right.
  2. Many arguments supporting Israel lack solid reasoning. People are often swayed by confident claims rather than the truth.
  3. There is a misconception that Jewish people in the West face the same level of discrimination as other minorities. This is often used to deflect criticism of Israel's actions.

Most Folks Don't Think About the Supreme Court

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1532 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Supreme Court Political Impact Legislation Justice System
  1. Many people don't consider the importance of the Supreme Court and its impact on their daily lives.
  2. Understanding the power and influence of the Court, and discussing it with friends and family, is crucial to being prepared and knowing how to fight back against potential threats.
  3. Educating others on the potential harm of a captured court, and working together with those around us, is key to protecting our future.

The Talented Mr. Newsom

Unreported Truths • 42 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Politicians Governance State Politics Public Policy Media
  1. He lacks a consistent ideology and deep policy understanding. Because of dyslexia he relies on memorized bullet points and constantly adapts his image to win approval.
  2. His record in California includes major failures on issues like COVID policy, housing, homelessness, and public safety, yet elite backing and a strong personal network have kept him politically resilient.
  3. His charisma, town-hall campaigning style, and ability to connect one-on-one make him electorally powerful and a real contender for higher office, even if he is seen as lacking competence or firm principles.

TGIF: Thankful Edition

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5995 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. It's easy to think about what we don't have, like Bitcoin, especially when we see others doing well with it. Reflecting on missed opportunities can make us appreciate our current situation even more.
  2. Jill Biden's presence and support for her husband, the president, highlights the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership. It's nice to recognize her role during Thanksgiving.
  3. Thankfulness can come from recognizing both what we have and what has passed us by. Even if we feel we've missed out on trends, focusing on family and good moments is what really matters.

The Online Sports Gambling Experiment Has Failed

Don't Worry About the Vase • 6451 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Public Health Economic Impact
  1. Legal online sports gambling has led to a big increase in bankruptcies, suggesting financial harm to many individuals. It seems like for every $70,000 made by sportsbooks, someone files for bankruptcy.
  2. Household savings rates are declining because people are using their money for sports betting instead of investing. This trend is concerning as it can hurt long-term financial stability.
  3. There is a link between sports betting and increased domestic violence. When sports teams lose, incidents of domestic violence rise, showing the negative social impact of gambling.

American Express, the Roach Motel

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1844 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Consumer Rights Corporate behavior Public Policy Financial Services
  1. It's often tricky to cancel subscriptions online, as companies make it complicated. People should be able to cancel with the same ease as they sign up.
  2. Companies like American Express can be difficult about cancellation, sometimes requiring phone calls. This can feel frustrating and unnecessary.
  3. Government agencies are working to make it easier for people to cancel subscriptions and accounts. Filing a complaint can help put pressure on companies to change their policies.

The "Border Crisis" Is Not About Immigration

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1771 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Christian nationalism Immigration LGBTQ+ Abortion
  1. The 'Border Crisis' is fueled by Christian Nationalism, not just about immigration.
  2. Christian nationalism influences various issues like attacks on LGBTQ+ community and school privatization.
  3. A collaboration of Christian nationalist/Libertarian/wealthy groups has a longstanding plan to influence politics and policies.

EXCLUSIVE: Obama’s “Pathological” CIA Director Put Analysts “Under Duress” To Cook Russiagate Report, Says New Whistleblower

Michael Shellenberger • 1474 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Government Corruption Politics Media
  1. A former CIA analyst claims that John Brennan, who was the CIA director, pressured his team to manipulate the intelligence report on Russia's influence in the 2016 election. This means the report may not be reliable.
  2. The whistleblower suggests that there was a concerted effort by higher-ups in the intelligence community to mislead the public about Donald Trump's connections to Russia.
  3. Mainstream media has largely ignored or dismissed these allegations, despite the new evidence coming to light from whistleblowers.

Thoughts on Trump Ending Affirmative Action in Contracting

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4925 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Political theory Civil Rights Political Activism Government regulations
  1. It's possible to change policy even if you aren't famous or super connected. By bringing important issues to people's attention and making a strong argument, you can influence the conversation around those policies.
  2. Timing is key in politics. Being vocal about an issue when it matters most can lead to real changes. If people are focused on something important, it's a good time to suggest new ideas.
  3. Conservatives have started realizing the need to fight against 'wokeness' and its influence in government and business. The recent action to end certain affirmative action policies shows a significant shift in their approach.

Balsa Update: Springtime in DC

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1971 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulations Trade policy Maritime Legislation Lobbying
  1. A new proposal could limit U.S. exports by requiring a certain percentage to be on U.S.-built ships, which currently don't exist in enough numbers. This could drastically reduce export volumes.
  2. Only a few voices were raised against this proposal, as many industries have adapted to a system where shipbuilding is not prioritized in the U.S. This led to a lack of awareness about the negative impact of the new rules.
  3. Balsa Research decided to take action after realizing the importance of the issue. They submitted comments and presented their findings, which contributed to changes in the proposed export restrictions.

America Enters the Samizdat Era

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Social media Freedom of Speech Government Control
  1. The Internet is transitioning from a space of free exchange to one of top-down control over information and narrative.
  2. Alternative ways of distributing dissenting ideas are becoming necessary due to digital suppression of politically undesirable content.
  3. It's crucial to raise awareness about the challenges to freedom of speech and find new ways to share truth in the face of increasing control over information.

DeSantis is Half-Right About Property Taxes

Progress and Poverty • 1885 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Political Reform Housing policy Governance Local government
  1. DeSantis wants to remove property taxes, but he should keep the tax on land. Building taxes can hurt investment and should be removed since they don’t help with housing affordability.
  2. Land taxes are important because they make sure the community benefits from land value. If landowners aren't taxed, they might just sit on land without developing it, which can hurt the economy.
  3. DeSantis has a chance to be a leader in property tax reform, but he needs to understand the difference between building and land taxes. Removing just the building tax but keeping the land tax could lead to better development and growth.

Biden’s Commerce Sec. Says She’s Reluctant to Ban China’s TikTok Because Democrats Would ‘Lose Every Voter Under 35 Forever’.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3636 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Relations Youth culture Technology
  1. Biden's Commerce Secretary is hesitant to ban China's TikTok to avoid losing young voters
  2. TikTok, owned by ByteDance backed by China, is a national security concern
  3. There may be impending restrictions on TikTok and similar apps due to foreign ownership and data practices

Top Links 933 America's feeble bid for dominance. Gaming a Taiwan blockade. Export controls on rhubarb & white-collar terror modules.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Global Economics Military Strategy Trade Relations Political Power
  1. America's efforts to be a dominant power in the world are not very strong. In fact, its Export-Import Bank ranks just 7th in global lending.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about how to handle potential blockades involving Taiwan. This is a complex issue that involves various strategies.
  3. There are unusual export controls in place, including those on specific items like rhubarb and tools related to white-collar crimes. It shows how regulations can target very specific industries.