The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Jen Gerson: The Liberals, masters at winning themselves to death

The Line • 2908 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Government Media Intelligence Investigation
  1. The Liberals mishandled the Chinese interference scandal, making it worse for themselves at every step
  2. The government's damage control approach has backfired, slowly backing the Prime Minister into rhetorical traps
  3. A public inquiry into Chinese interference is seen as a strategically smart move for the Liberals to restore confidence

AND THEN AN INTERESTING THING HAPPENED

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 2908 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigning Media influence Challenges Global impact
  1. Marianne Williamson shared a heartwarming story of encouragement she received while feeling defeated.
  2. Politics can be brutal with smears and negativity affecting campaigns and needing financial support to continue.
  3. Support from individuals, like a young person on a beach, can provide crucial motivation to persevere.

Niall Ferguson: J.D. Vance Picked a Fight in Germany. Will He Get One in China?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary International relations Trade Relations Elections
  1. J.D. Vance is taking a bold approach by challenging foreign powers, notably at the Munich Security Conference. This kind of confrontation could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
  2. America's previous attempts to provoke negotiations with other countries often went unanswered. Historically, many nations haven't reacted strongly, showing a lack of willingness to engage.
  3. The current administration seems to be looking for conflicts to assert its stance on the global stage. This strategy might change how the U.S. is perceived internationally.

Chartbook 388: Trump v. Musk - Alien v. Predator or "death march" into a political vacuum?

Chartbook • 1845 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Dynamics Policy Analysis Election Strategy Media influence Party Affiliation
  1. Trump and Musk are publicly clashing, which shows a deeper issue in Trump's grip on power and policy decisions. This indicates that even top supporters can disagree strongly about important legislation.
  2. Trump's Big Beautiful Bill faces challenges from within his own party, revealing a lack of clear support and coherent strategy around key policies like taxes and tariffs.
  3. Rising tensions and conflicts could push Trump’s party toward extreme views, such as using xenophobia as a unifying theme to manage internal disagreements.

Measuring Mamdani's Mistake

JoeWrote • 83 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Politics Policing Progressivism Governance Elections Public Safety
  1. Zohran Mamdani’s early mayoralty shows that a left-wing leader can win broad support and focus on day-to-day issues like affordability, but governing a big city forces hard compromises with the political establishment.
  2. His initial responses to recent NYPD shootings—slow public comment and a statement that praised officers—alienated his progressive base, and he has since shifted tone and pushed for non-police crisis responses like a Department of Community Safety.
  3. Being held accountable by his supporters has helped him correct mistakes (as with his Israel remarks), showing that the socialist left is learning how to govern and should expect growing pains while refining its approach.
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Donald Trump Sides with Israel—and Rejects the Restrainers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1817 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political parties Trump administration Military Action International relations
  1. Donald Trump openly supports Israel and its fight against Iran, showing where he stands on foreign policy. This support is stronger than what many politicians offer.
  2. There's a divide among Trump’s supporters, especially within the Republican Party, regarding how America should engage with the world. Some believe in a more restrained and noninterventionist approach.
  3. The situation reveals ongoing tensions in Trump's administration about the right way to handle foreign relations and military action. This debate is becoming more important as events unfold.

The Canadian Truckers (then US Truckers) were the ONLY people who sacrificed & I would say are/were the Freedom Fighters, they put down tools & lost, the Freedom Fighters (doctors & scientists & media

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 1474 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protest Speech COVID-19
  1. Canadian and US truckers were seen as the main sacrificers and freedom fighters in a larger context of societal harm.
  2. There is a contrast drawn between the actions of truckers and those of doctors, scientists, and governments.
  3. Truckers stood up in response to perceived harm to the public while other groups were depicted as exploiting the situation.

X Just Accidentally Exposed A Vast Covert Influence Network Targeting Americans

Weaponized • 395 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Foreign influence Social media Political Discourse Election Integrity
  1. A new feature on X showed that many accounts pretending to be American supporters are actually from other countries. This raises alarms about foreign influence on U.S. politics.
  2. Some of these foreign accounts were promoting pro-Trump messages while pretending to be local Americans. This tactic is similar to what Russia did in the 2016 election.
  3. The discovery is a wake-up call about ongoing foreign influence in U.S. political discussions. It makes people more cautious about believing everything they see online.

The David Sacks Problem(s)

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Conflicts of Interest
  1. David Sacks, the AI and Crypto Czar, has possible conflicts of interest because he holds a lot of investments in tech while shaping policies that affect that industry.
  2. There is concern that Sacks is prioritizing politics over the bigger ethical questions surrounding AI, especially when it comes to its bias and how it should align with public beliefs.
  3. The AI landscape is complex, raising questions about whether AI should reflect what people believe or help guide society in a better direction, which Sacks doesn’t seem to be addressing.

Letting Palestinians Move Is Not "Ethnic Cleansing"

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3535 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Immigration International relations Human Rights Political Discourse
  1. People often argue about definitions of words instead of focusing on real-life impacts and solutions. It's important to prioritize human well-being over getting stuck in technical debates.
  2. Allowing Palestinians to move to safer places can be a positive solution. Instead of considering it 'ethnic cleansing,' it should be seen as a humanitarian effort to help those in need.
  3. Many people in Gaza might want to leave for better opportunities, especially after facing conflict. Supporting their choice to move could lead to a more peaceful future for everyone involved.

Have You Heard the Good News?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1604 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Current Events Public Debate Journalism Social Issues
  1. The current public debate makes it sound like everything is terrible, but that's not the whole truth. While we do have problems, things today are actually better than they used to be.
  2. Media often focuses on negative stories because they get more attention and views. This can create a skewed view of reality where everything feels worse than it really is.
  3. It's important to look at the bigger picture and recognize the good alongside the challenges. Recognizing progress can help us focus on solutions rather than feeling hopeless.

The Race to Succeed Pelosi Is a Fight for the Future of the Democratic Party

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 255 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Parties Campaigns Candidates Congress Ideology
  1. Nancy Pelosi's retirement has triggered a high-profile San Francisco primary between state senator Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti, a former AOC chief of staff.
  2. The contest symbolizes a larger Democratic split between steady, establishment progressivism and newer, more radical reformers, and the result will influence the party's future direction.
  3. The race is highly nationalized and contentious, with policy proposals (like Wiener's No Kings Act) and fierce attacks from opponents shaping how voters view each candidate.

The Right’s 1939 Project

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Foreign Policy Military Action Political Movements Historical revisionism
  1. Some members of the MAGA movement are rewriting American history and pushing dangerous conspiracy theories. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and open bigotry in society.
  2. President Trump faced criticism from some supporters who believe that military action abroad is risky and unnecessary. They feared that involvement in foreign conflicts could harm American lives and the economy.
  3. Prominent voices in the MAGA movement expressed strong opposition to confronting Iran, arguing it could escalate into a larger conflict. They warned that such a war could have devastating consequences for the United States.

The Issue of Our Age. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Elections Foreign Policy Governance Public Opinion Political parties Law & Courts
  1. Immigration has become the defining issue of our age, reshaping American identity and driving heated political debates that push policy toward harsher enforcement.
  2. Trump’s new peace plan has put heavy pressure on Ukraine, with allies meeting in Geneva and Zelensky facing a tight deadline that could shift the war’s political dynamics.
  3. A string of developments — from a congresswoman’s resignation and an Israeli strike to shifting U.S. migration rhetoric and surprising local political stories — shows growing volatility at home and abroad and strains on institutions.

Two Mexicos

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Relations Crime Policy Economic Growth Drug policy International relations
  1. Mexico's economy is booming, making it the top trading partner for the U.S. since it offers tariff-free exports, especially in manufacturing. This growth is significant, but it also hides the country's ongoing struggles with crime and drug cartels.
  2. The drug trade contributes greatly to violence in Mexico, with over 30,000 murders recorded in a single year. This results in a stark contrast between a thriving economy and a dangerous underworld, leading to chaos in many regions.
  3. The U.S. has a role in Mexico's challenges due to its demand for drugs and porous borders. Solutions like sealing the border and addressing addiction more effectively may be necessary to help both countries combat these issues.

The police militarization debate is over

The Watch • 1474 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policing Militarization Constitution Authoritarianism Trump administration
  1. The lines between police and military roles are becoming dangerously blurred. Police are meant to keep the peace while soldiers fight enemies, and mixing the two could harm our freedoms.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as creating his own loyal force using police and military resources to serve him rather than the public. This raises concerns about accountability and abuse of power.
  3. Many believe that the courts and laws are not set up to protect citizens against the actions of this new force, leading to fears of a growing authoritarianism in America.

US Intelligence Is Covering Up the Fact They Knew About COVID In November 2019

The New Normal • 2869 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Community COVID-19 Cover-up Secrecy
  1. US intelligence officials are suspected of covering up knowledge about COVID in November 2019.
  2. There is evidence showing discrepancies in intelligence reports regarding the timeline of COVID information.
  3. The implications of a cover-up by US intelligence agencies raise concerns about accountability and transparency.

Things Worth Remembering: Lady Liberty’s Open Arms

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1548 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration History Culture Symbols Literature
  1. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes hope and welcome for immigrants coming to America. It tells them that they are accepted and can find a better life here.
  2. Ellis Island was a tough place for many immigrants. They arrived scared and tired, hoping for a new beginning while facing challenging conditions.
  3. The poem 'The New Colossus' on the statue’s pedestal emphasizes the importance of welcoming those who are poor and seeking freedom. It reminds us to open our arms to those in need.

Congress Builds a Safety Net (Part 2)

Who is Robert Malone • 7 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pandemic Preparedness Federalism Biodefense Public Health Legislation National Security
  1. Congress created OPPR as a presidentially led office to coordinate pandemic preparedness across agencies and to report regularly to Congress, giving the federal government a standing convening role without direct control of state medical practice.
  2. Constitutional and Supreme Court limits mean the federal role is meant to be preparedness and support (stockpiles, surveillance, coordination), not operational control of local medical decisions, so OPPR was designed to stay on that side of the line.
  3. OPPR delivered practical assets — coordinating mpox and H5N1 responses, mapping the countermeasure portfolio, launching the Bio‑5 supply‑chain effort, and writing a response playbook — but it was chronically underfunded, its statutorily required reports stopped, and key programs and funding were later canceled.

Do You Condemn Piers Morgan?

Pen>Sword • 1937 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Islamophobia Genocide Bias Free speech
  1. Piers Morgan is criticized for his coverage of Gaza, accused of exploiting the situation for personal gain.
  2. Morgan is accused of focusing on sensationalism, ratings, and controversy rather than providing balanced journalism on the Palestinian perspective.
  3. Critics argue that Piers Morgan's approach to discussing the Gaza crisis shows a lack of understanding and sensitivity towards the complexities of the situation.

Regime Change is Good Sometimes

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Regime Change Military Intervention Middle East Presidential politics
  1. Regime change can sometimes produce better governments, but it often comes with huge human and financial costs that must be weighed carefully.
  2. What matters most are the details — timing, planning, and execution — because a poorly planned intervention can make things as bad or worse than before.
  3. Treating 'regime change' as a slogan is dangerous; leaders need consistent goals and strategy, or they risk empty threats or catastrophic outcomes.

Nice little economy you've got there, be a shame...

The Crucial Years • 3388 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Energy Policy Climate change Foreign Relations Corporate Influence
  1. Countries like Taiwan, India, and Japan are increasing their purchases of American liquefied natural gas to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration. This move illustrates how global energy politics are heavily influenced by economic pressures.
  2. The push for liquefied natural gas exports has potential negative effects on American consumers, as it can lead to higher natural gas prices. Increased exports can make energy more expensive for households relying on natural gas.
  3. Despite the focus on fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy. It's important to promote clean energy solutions as a way to combat climate change and lower energy costs for everyone.

Housing affordability is a tremendous crisis for young men

Jeff Giesea • 519 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Social Issues Cultural Issues Political Activism
  1. Housing affordability is a big problem for young men, especially in their 20s and 30s. It's harder for them to buy homes than it was before, with fewer places being affordable.
  2. This issue affects not just men, but it seems to hit young men the hardest. Many feel left out of the chance for a stable future with family and home ownership.
  3. Young men can make their voices heard by pushing for changes in housing policies. Working together to demand more affordable housing can help improve their chances of owning a home.

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch on the Biomedical Security State

Human Flourishing • 2849 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Emergency powers Separation of powers Constitution Public Health
  1. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch emphasizes the importance of not allowing emergency decrees to undermine the constitutional order.
  2. Gorsuch warns against the abuse of emergency powers by both state and federal officials during times of crisis.
  3. There is a need for judicial or legislative oversight to prevent executives from unilaterally declaring ongoing states of emergency.

How to Get Rid of a Tenured Professor

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4249 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom Higher education Political Advocacy
  1. Universities are becoming more politicized, making it harder for professors to speak freely. Many faculty feel they can't express their opinions without fear of backlash or discipline.
  2. Tenured professors can face significant challenges, including administrative pressure and hostile work environments. This can happen despite their experience and achievements.
  3. Academic freedom is at risk when universities prioritize political agendas over teaching and research. When that's the case, it often leads to a lack of support for diverse viewpoints.

In nuclear race with Russia, Trump goes back to a Cold War future

Aaron Mate • 75 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations National Security Arms Control Nuclear Weapons Defense Policy
  1. The New START treaty expired after the U.S. declined a one‑year extension, removing the last legal limits on U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.
  2. There are reports of an informal six‑month tacit observance and a resumption of high‑level military talks, but those steps do not replace formal arms control.
  3. Letting New START lapse and threatening a new buildup risks triggering a renewed arms race with Russia and China and raises global security dangers.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Populism Foreign Policy Bureaucracy Administrative state
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

NZ's trans lobby is fighting a rearguard action - by Graham Adams.

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trans issues Media Criticism Public Opinion Gender Politics
  1. The trans lobby in New Zealand is trying to push back against criticisms from reports like the Cass Report, claiming that local kids are different from those in the UK.
  2. Some journalists, like Graham Adams and Yvonne van Dongen, are courageously discussing issues related to trans ideology when many others avoid the topic.
  3. There's a growing number of people, including some health professionals, who are publicly questioning the use of puberty blockers for youth, which adds to the ongoing debate.

Claudine Gay's Dishonorable Discharge

Glenn Loury • 1884 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education DEI Plagiarism Race Leadership
  1. The charges of plagiarism against Claudine Gay were serious enough to merit her removal, despite other motivations behind the campaign against her.
  2. The appointment of high-ranking officials, especially in historical positions like Harvard President, should prioritize qualifications over symbolic representation.
  3. Habitual plagiarism can undermine a leader's credibility and position, regardless of race, and institutions should uphold standards of integrity and merit.

Why people are burning Waymos

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Tech Media Culture Public Opinion
  1. Waymo vehicles were burned during protests in Los Angeles, showing strong feelings about immigration issues. People were angry enough to damage these self-driving cars as a form of expression.
  2. The situation highlights a growing connection between technology and social movements. It reflects how tech can be involved in protests and public sentiments.
  3. Various groups, including tech people and the media, reacted to these events on social media. This shows how quickly information spreads and the importance of online platforms in shaping narratives.

Why Is Reuters Carrying Water for Hamas?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1163 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Policy Foreign Relations Humanitarian Aid
  1. Some news reports claim there's no evidence of Hamas stealing aid, but there are discrepancies in the actual data. It shows over $4.6 million reported as lost due to fraud.
  2. Legacy media tends to promote narratives that favor Hamas, which raises questions about their reporting standards. This can shape public perception in a biased way.
  3. It's important to differentiate between notifications of potential aid misuse and confirmed instances of misuse. Just because no direct evidence was cited doesn't mean issues don't exist.

Who Does Tucker Carlson Think He Is?

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2830 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Podcasts Media Elections Conservatism
  1. Tucker Carlson is attempting to wield significant influence in the 2024 election through his show and actions.
  2. Peter Navarro raises concerns about Tucker Carlson's loyalty to Donald Trump and his focus on ratings over policy.
  3. Navarro suggests cutting ties with Fox News and seeking alternative conservative shows and podcasts.

Elite Resistance to Trump: What Does It Mean?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Law enforcement Immigration Elections Congress State Violence Political elites
  1. The powerful will preserve the state's ability to wield extreme power while blaming and limiting the individual who used it.
  2. Agencies and tools like ICE are likely to remain funded and intact, so small reforms or criticisms won't remove the underlying capacity for abuse.
  3. If the rules that enabled these abuses aren't reversed now, they will stay in place for future presidents, and relying on elections alone won't eliminate the danger.

Policy: An Early Career Guide REVISED!

ChinaTalk • 1230 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Career Guidance China relations Networking
  1. Writing online, like on Substack, is a great way to showcase your skills and stand out in policy jobs. It's important to develop a strong writing portfolio to get hired.
  2. Learning Chinese helps you understand China better, and nothing beats living there for gaining real language skills and cultural knowledge. It can really enrich your experience as a policy analyst.
  3. Networking on platforms like Twitter can open doors for you. You can connect with experts, learn how they think, and even find job opportunities through conversations.