The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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In a Perfect World, Powell Would Not Be Fed Chairman and Trump Would Be President

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2397 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Monetary Policy Political History Presidency Federal Reserve
  1. In a perfect world, Peter Navarro believes Jerome Powell wouldn't be the Fed Chairman and Trump would still be the President.
  2. Navarro discusses how Mnuchin convinced Trump to appoint Powell, who in turn negatively impacted the economy.
  3. Navarro criticizes Powell's policies and highlights the challenges of dealing with stagflation and the Federal Reserve's limitations.

‘Capitalism Is Theft’: I Followed Zohran Mamdani’s Internet Trail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns Social movements Digital Media Election Strategies Political Ideologies
  1. Zohran Mamdani has a long digital history with more than 16,000 tweets, showing many sides of his personality and beliefs.
  2. He has shared strong revolutionary ideas, including calls to end the free market, defund the police, and change the prison system.
  3. As he prepares for a mayoral run, Mamdani is shifting his image to appeal to a broader audience, but his past reveals his true ideology.

'Maya' from 'Zero Dark Thirty' consulted with investor behind militarized Gaza aid organization within days of retiring

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1180 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Intelligence Counterterrorism Military Geopolitics
  1. A former CIA official, Michael Anne Casey-Tyler, consulted for a company involved in a controversial Gaza aid organization less than two weeks after retiring.
  2. This organization, linked to the U.S. and private military contractors, has faced severe criticism for its role in Palestinian casualties while distributing aid.
  3. Casey-Tyler had previously held significant positions within the CIA, including overseeing technology-focused espionage efforts.

Making Sense of Mamdani

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1386 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political strategy Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Zohran Mamdani ran a very effective campaign that connected well with young voters, using social media and grassroots efforts to reach people across New York City.
  2. Despite some viewing him as inexperienced, he gained a significant following, winning over 430,000 votes in a crowded primary.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind his popularity is important for both supporters and critics, as it reflects the hopes and frustrations of many New Yorkers.

Think America Owes $37 Trillion? It’s Far Worse Than That

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 999 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government spending National Debt Fiscal policy Social Security
  1. The U.S. government's financial obligations are much higher than the commonly cited $37 trillion. When including all liabilities, the total could exceed $151 trillion.
  2. Most of the federal budget now goes toward mandatory spending like Social Security and Medicare, which are facing significant financial issues. These programs are projected to run out of funds as soon as 2033.
  3. Federal debt is rising rapidly and is expected to create a situation where the government has to print more money, which could lead to inflation and economic instability.
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Exclusive: Princeton Student Accused of Assault at Pro-Palestine Protest Sues for ‘Incredible Betrayal’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Higher education Protests Legal issues Media
  1. A Princeton student, David Piegaro, was involved in a chaotic pro-Palestine protest and claims he was wrongfully accused of assault after being shoved down the stairs by a safety officer.
  2. After he was arrested at the protest, Piegaro was found not guilty of all charges by a judge who believed his actions were not reckless.
  3. Piegaro has now filed a lawsuit against Princeton University and the officer, arguing his rights were violated and that he was treated unfairly compared to other students involved in the same incident.

Zohran delivered the Democratic establishment the thrashing it deserved

Silver Bulletin • 1397 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Voting Political trends Democratic Party
  1. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, surprising many who didn't expect him to be a major contender. His victory shows that voters were ready for a change from old, entitlement-driven candidates like Andrew Cuomo.
  2. The election had a relatively high turnout, signaling that more people were engaged and interested in participating. This challenges the idea that Zohran only motivated a small group of voters.
  3. The outcome points to a generational shift in politics, with younger candidates like Mamdani appealing more to today's voters. The Democratic establishment needs to reflect on this to better connect with the electorate moving forward.

Epic Fury, Empty Pockets

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 4 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Defense Spending Housing policy Social Services Human Rights
  1. The war in Iran is extremely costly — about $900 million a day and potentially tens of billions if it continues.
  2. Those war dollars could fund big domestic needs instead, like LA’s annual homeless services for a day or hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units in a week.
  3. This isn’t a lack of money but a choice of priorities: the government funds military action but often won’t pay for housing, roads, or hospitals, which could save lives rather than take them.

The L.A. Riots Are a Trump Ad

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1525 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Public Opinion Crime Immigration
  1. Many Americans feel uncertain about Democrats when it comes to issues like immigration and safety. The response to recent riots in LA isn't helping this view.
  2. The current chaos in Los Angeles seems to highlight weak spots for the Democratic Party, especially concerning crime and public disorder.
  3. Instead of addressing the unrest, Democrats are focusing on criticizing Trump for sending in the National Guard, while police say they are overwhelmed by the situation.

Lolitas and A-Listers on Epstein's Fantasy Island

donaldjeffries • 1415 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandals Celebrities Corruption Justice
  1. The imminent release of the list containing prominent names who flew on Jeffrey Epstein's 'Lolita Express' has caused a stir.
  2. Many big names in entertainment, including female celebrities, have been linked to Epstein's activities.
  3. The Epstein scandal raises questions about accountability and the power dynamics that shield the elite from justice.

Further Thoughts on: CROSSPOST: DAN DREZNER: Revenge of the Toddler-in-Chief

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 84 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Institutions Elections Polarization Governance Media Partisanship
  1. A president fixated on symbolic details—like map projections and perceived personal slights—is a symptom rather than the root problem.
  2. The deeper scandal is the failure of American guardrails and institutions meant to restrain dangerous or erratic executive behavior.
  3. This pattern points to broader risks of authoritarian or neofascist drift, showing systemic dangers that go beyond any one leader's tantrums.

How to Win a Pardon from Trump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 190 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Clemency Executive Power Criminal Justice Corruption
  1. Presidents often dole out a big batch of pardons around the end of a term, and Trump reportedly granted more than 1,500 on his first day back.
  2. Personal access and favors — like playing golf at Mar‑a‑Lago, recommendations from allies, or shared grudges — can help get someone’s case in front of the president.
  3. A presidential pardon can erase serious federal charges and prison exposure, underscoring the huge and sometimes controversial power of the pardon power.

February 19, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Foreign Policy Elections Law & Courts Public Health Governance
  1. A senior British royal, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over ties to Jeffrey Epstein and alleged sharing of confidential government documents while serving as a trade envoy.
  2. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted of leading an insurrection and sentenced to life in prison after attempting to impose martial law and block the legislature, with several co-conspirators also receiving long sentences.
  3. President Trump has seized and renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace to launch a self-styled "Board of Peace" that drew mixed international responses, is proposing a U.S.-run alternative to the WHO, and is pushing election-related legislation and White House changes while advancing his political messaging.

The Man Who Would Be King – The Border Patrol Signals It Is Near The Breaking Point

AND Magazine • 1198 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Policy Government Border Security Law enforcement
  1. Border Patrol agents are publicly expressing opposition to Biden's immigration policies.
  2. Recruitment and retention of Border Patrol agents is challenging due to policy impacts.
  3. Border Patrol agents feel overworked and prioritize processing migrants over law enforcement duties.

How I Won a Disinformation Battle — But Lost the War

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2358 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Debunking Political Scandal Media influence Information Warfare
  1. Disinformation can be spread effectively by creating simple, captivating narratives.
  2. False information tends to stick in people's minds, even after being corrected.
  3. Debunking lies is important, but it's crucial to present the truth in a way that resonates with the audience and to address disinformation strategically.

Burn Down the Admissions System

Persuasion • 2358 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Higher education Supreme Court
  1. The end of affirmative action could lead to a crucial change in the flawed admissions system.
  2. Elite colleges might exploit loopholes to maintain unjust practices like legacy admissions, donor preferences, and subjective personal statements.
  3. The personal statement component of admissions can perpetuate privilege, as it is subjective and prone to manipulation, undermining the fairness of the system.

A roundup of some things from New Zealand, across the ditch - i.e. Australia - and the UK.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Education & Policy Media Critique
  1. In New Zealand, there's been a big fuss about the Midwifery Council's new guidelines that ignored the words 'woman' and 'baby'. People are pushing back and filing complaints to get the guidelines changed.
  2. A group called 'Let Kids be Kids' is traveling around New Zealand to share concerns about inappropriate content in school relationships education. They are facing backlash but continue to raise awareness about their views.
  3. In the UK, the National Health Service is dropping inclusive language like 'chestfeeding' and stopping their rainbow badge program. Changes like these are being noticed in New Zealand, showing a wider conversation about gender issues.

Those Who Condemn Hamas Lack Empathy And Humility

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 861 implied HN points • 26 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Human Rights Conflict Studies Cultural critique
  1. People often judge Hamas without understanding the difficult lives they led. It's important to consider how their experiences shaped their actions.
  2. Both Israelis and Palestinians are affected by their environments and histories. We can't just label one side as good and the other as bad without seeing the bigger picture.
  3. Real change requires addressing the unfair systems in place. Just like history's major injustices, we need to recognize and change the structures that cause conflict.

60 Minutes's 'Inside CECOT'

Unpopular Front • 158 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Immigration Law Courts Executive Journalism Human Rights
  1. An editor halted a TV investigative piece about detainee abuse and pushed for major changes, asking for administration on-the-record responses and a policy debate instead of the human-focused report as produced.
  2. Several claims in that editorial request were inaccurate or misleading, including points about how many people were charged versus sentenced and what legal arguments the government actually made in court.
  3. Courts have ruled the deportations unlawful and subject to judicial review, and the whole episode raises worries about poor editorial judgment and possible conflicts of interest affecting newsroom decisions.

Why the President crushed so hard on Zohran

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local government Elections Protests Public Safety Community Relations Media narratives
  1. The president was clearly smitten after a great first date with Zohran, and both seemed to come away happy.
  2. NYC’s Jewish community is rattled by ugly chants outside a synagogue and many are upset with the lackluster response from the incoming mayor.
  3. Fear and outrage around topics like Jews and Gaza make perfect fuel for algorithms, turning local incidents into larger online battles.

Caveman Brains and International Markets

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1219 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Political Ideology Employment Trends
  1. Many people believe in protecting manufacturing jobs, but studies show these jobs are only a small part of the economy now. Most workers are in other types of jobs, and the focus on manufacturing isn't realistic.
  2. Protectionist policies can do more harm than good. For example, tariffs that protect a few jobs can lead to massive job losses in other industries.
  3. The desire for more manufacturing jobs often comes from outdated ideas and emotions rather than solid arguments. We need to move forward rather than cling to past job types that don't fit today's economy.

A Missouri Nightmare

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 1254 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Sexual Assault Government Law Women's Rights
  1. Many women and girls in Missouri are forced to bear children resulting from rape due to the state's abortion ban.
  2. The legal system often fails rape victims, leading to their perpetrators not facing consequences.
  3. Anti-abortion stances restricting access to abortion post-rape can be seen as state-sanctioned rape and mandated pregnancy.

Public Choice links, 11/13/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Trade policy Executive Power Government Efficiency Voter Behavior
  1. Trade protectionism in America is seen as central planning dressed up as economic nationalism. While manufacturing output has grown, employment in factories has declined.
  2. There’s a push for better state capacity in government, but some argue it needs to focus on doing fewer things well rather than expanding into more areas.
  3. Voters often make poor choices about policies. Scholars understand what's inefficient, but there’s a challenge in communicating that knowledge to the public.

Of Snakes, Deep Swamps, and Kevin McCarthy’s Bid to Govern From the Middle

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2338 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Dynamics Leadership Partisanship Elections
  1. Kevin McCarthy's deal with President Joe Biden may trigger a potential vote to oust him as Speaker.
  2. The deal lacks guarantees for deficit reductions and neglects relief for America's fossil fuel producers.
  3. McCarthy's political sin was agreeing to kick the debt limit can past the 2024 elections, prioritizing his own fortunes over his Party.

Is Trump a lame duck?

Silver Bulletin • 340 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political parties Campaigns Governance
  1. Trump's approval ratings have been surprisingly stable, but recent events have caused some drops in popularity. It's not true that he can do anything and still keep his base satisfied.
  2. There have been significant political losses for Republicans recently, indicating that Trump's influence in the party might be weakening.
  3. Ongoing scandals, like the Epstein situation, could add pressure on Trump and affect public perception further.

OSD 362: To improve others, improve yourself

Open Source Defense • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policing Gun Policy Public Safety Criminal Justice Accountability
  1. Videos of violent encounters don’t tell the whole story and can dehumanize people, leading to shallow, conflicting analyses instead of careful learning.
  2. If you carry a gun, make conscious, situation-by-situation risk/reward choices, avoid impulsively intervening in volatile encounters, and train for safe, defensible use.
  3. Police and responders must raise professional standards: be clear about objectives, communicate, handle firearms safely, know when to stop shooting, and render aid once a threat ends.

America Won’t Exist If We Can’t Build Things

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1122 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Manufacturing Economy Global Influence Military power
  1. A country needs to be able to build and create things to be strong and successful. Manufacturing is essential for power and stability.
  2. Historically, great nations became powerful by having a strong industrial base. This strength helped them gain military power and economic influence.
  3. If America loses its industrial edge, it risks losing the dollar as the world's main currency, which could lead to a decline in its global power.

Bat Shit Insane Religious Fanaticism Is A Requirement For US Empire Managers

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3036 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Political theory Social Issues Religious Influence
  1. Religious fanaticism often seems required for people in power, especially in U.S. foreign policy. It's strange how those with extreme beliefs can run a country, while ordinary people might be seen as unfit.
  2. Many organizations claim to fight against antisemitism but sometimes focus more on protecting specific political interests. This raises questions about their true motives and effectiveness.
  3. International laws appear to be ignored by powerful countries when it comes to holding them accountable. This leads to a world where the strong set the rules and justice for everyone else is hard to find.

The Anti-Democratic Movement Targeted Ralph Nader First. We Should Have Paid More Attention

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9183 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Tactics
  1. Attention was not sufficiently given to the anti-democratic tactics used against Ralph Nader in 2004, which are now being employed more extensively by both parties.
  2. The significant hurdles that third-party candidates face in getting on the ballot, including costly signature collection and legal challenges from major parties, deter many from running.
  3. The current political landscape shows a rise in extreme measures to maintain power, sometimes at the expense of fair competition and voter choice, leading to increased polarization and disenfranchisement.

CROSSPOST: PAUL KRUGMAN: Seduced by the Louis XIV Treatment

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 38 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Political corruption Elite Networks Political culture Populism Economic Inequality
  1. Lavish, theatrical displays of power turn politics into a performance that signals entitlement and helps elites stand above ordinary rules.
  2. Charisma plus the promise of exclusive access pulls in wide networks even when material favors are small, because the aura of gatekeeping confers status and creates complicity.
  3. Together, spectacle and gatekeeper magnetism let elites bypass norms and institutions, deepening inequality and enabling authoritarian-friendly behavior.

Announcing the Center for Land Economics

Progress and Poverty • 2655 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Nonprofit Public Policy
  1. The Center for Land Economics is a new nonprofit formed to tackle the housing crisis using specific economic principles. They aim to provide data-driven solutions and policy analysis for better land management.
  2. There will now be a weekly blog post schedule to share updates on land value tax and housing policies. This blog will serve as a central place for discussions on these important topics.
  3. An open-source software library for land assessments will be released soon. This tool will help improve the accuracy of property valuations, making it easier for communities to work on land-related issues.

Mamdani Botches the Math on Socialist Grocery Stores

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1284 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Political parties Government spending Social Issues
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor, wants to create socialist grocery stores. He claims he can fund these by cutting subsidies to corporate grocery stores.
  2. However, Mamdani seems to misunderstand how much the city currently spends on grocery subsidies. He thinks there’s $140 million available when that may not be true.
  3. His plan relies on money that doesn't actually exist, which raises questions about the feasibility of his grocery store proposal.

ICE is not the Lizardman

a newsletter for infovores. • 91 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Opinion Surveys Immigration Policy Partisanship Elections Data interpretation
  1. Don’t automatically write off odd poll responses as random bad-faith answers; surprising percentages can represent real opinions that matter politically.
  2. Nontrivial shares of people—even inside expected groups—can hold hawkish or conspiratorial views, so small percentages can still equal large, consequential numbers.
  3. Before dismissing a result, check the question wording, pollster credibility, timing, survey method, and whether other sources corroborate it to judge if it’s noise or a real signal.