The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Abigail Shrier: Stop Asking Kids If They’re Depressed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Mental health Public Policy Government Action Homelessness Immigration
  1. Asking kids if they are depressed can lead them to believe they are when they might not be. It’s important to be careful with the questions we ask children about their mental health.
  2. Many children might be incorrectly diagnosed with depression, leading to a lot of unnecessary worry. This can happen when they are put in situations where they are questioned about their feelings repeatedly.
  3. The approach to mental health assessments for kids is changing, and some policies may encourage kids to see themselves as sick even if they aren’t. It's crucial to think about how these practices affect their well-being.

Trump Knows

Phillips’s Newsletter • 184 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics White House Elections Foreign Policy Political strategy Personnel Corruption
  1. Susie Wiles is effectively the most powerful non-family figure in the administration and runs the White House with Trump’s full political trust.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other disruptive figures are respected and influential inside the White House, with aides openly saying pushing extremes is a tactic to pull policy back toward the middle.
  3. Trump and his inner circle are planning for the future to protect the family, favoring a possible Vance‑Rubio unity ticket in 2028 and likely preparing pardons to shield relatives from legal risk.

Radicals Have Burned California Before

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2327 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Public Policy Environmental Issues
  1. California's progressive policies have often led to unintended disasters, like wildfires. Good intentions don't always result in good outcomes.
  2. Environmental activism can sometimes slow down crucial safety projects. In this case, protecting a rare plant delayed fire safety improvements.
  3. The struggle between environmental concerns and safety measures is an ongoing issue. It's important to find a balance to prevent disasters while protecting nature.

Farewell to Canada’s Golden Boy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policies Public Opinion Governance
  1. Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nearly decade-long term as Canada's prime minister. His fall from grace is attributed to controversial ideas on various issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the safety and stability of New York City, with ideas on how to restore order amid rising lawlessness. Some suggest that banning masks could help reduce crime-related anonymity.
  3. Recent tragedies have sparked a debate about the impact of language and narratives on societal safety. Conversations are emerging about the consequences of divisive rhetoric, especially in light of recent violent events.
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We Seem Intent On Making Excuses For Trump Until He Destroys Us

Phillips’s Newsletter • 261 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Corruption Foreign Policy Trump
  1. The US government agency that helps protect elections from foreign interference has stopped functioning, leaving states vulnerable as the 2026 mid-term elections approach. This raises concerns about election security and the government's commitment to safeguarding democracy.
  2. People often make excuses for Trump's actions, claiming he isn't responsible for harmful decisions made by his administration. This pattern of blaming others instead of holding him accountable has been seen before, like after the January 6 incident.
  3. Making excuses for Trump might damage democracy and the security of Ukraine. The habit of hoping he will do the right thing has led to inaction and could ultimately harm society as a whole.

On the dangers of cosplay

Unreported Truths • 111 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Law enforcement Protests Civil Liberties Criminal Justice Public Safety
  1. You can lawfully watch or protest police and ICE actions, but you do not have the right to interfere — blocking traffic or obstructing an arrest crosses a line and can provoke enforcement.
  2. A small, seemingly harmless action can escalate in seconds into a life-or-death situation. From inside a car people feel safe, but officers can see a vehicle as a deadly threat and may make split-second decisions.
  3. Misjudging danger, assuming privilege will protect you, or needlessly escalating a confrontation raises the chance of a fatal outcome. It's generally safer to comply, de-escalate, and avoid putting yourself between officers and suspects.

Two Pieces of the Puzzle

Phillips’s Newsletter • 231 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Administration Foreign Policy International relations Elections Geopolitics
  1. The Trump administration is seen as faking support for Ukraine while really wanting to protect Russian assets from being used to aid Ukraine. This strategy has helped delay European efforts to assist Ukraine.
  2. Trump appears to accept the idea that Russia will ultimately win the war and has influenced negotiations based on this belief. He has used this narrative to pressure Ukraine into accepting a potentially unfavorable peace deal.
  3. The administration’s actions aimed to mislead European leaders into thinking they were committed to helping Ukraine, which in turn prevented them from taking more decisive action against Russia.

'Libbing out' is the latest irony-fueled coping mechanism

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3403 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Social media Youth Engagement Democratic Party
  1. Young progressives are using a term called 'libbing out' to humorously embrace mainstream Democratic politics. It's a way for them to ignore their usual cynicism and feel optimistic, even if just for a little while.
  2. 'Libbing out' is partly a reaction to feeling overwhelmed by the state of politics. People want a break from all the negativity and are choosing to focus on a more comfortable political fantasy, even if it's temporary.
  3. While 'libbing out' helps people cope, it's also critiqued as a shallow approach that doesn’t address deeper political issues. Many believe that simply supporting Democrats won't solve bigger problems in the system.

How Democrats' Rotating Villain Strategy Backfired

JoeWrote • 64 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Party Politics Elections Political strategy Legislation Immigration Leadership
  1. Many elected Democrats are corporate-friendly and more conservative than the party's progressive voters, creating a big gap between leaders and the base.
  2. Party leaders use a “rotating villain” tactic—shifting blame and using fake polls, election maneuvers, and distractions—to hide conservative policy choices and suppress the left.
  3. That tactic backfired when it was used to push funding for ICE, exposing several corporate Democrats as dishonest and further hurting trust and approval.

The Truckers Won. Everything.

Anarchonomicon • 1886 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protest Government Policy Power Revolution
  1. The trucker convoy in Canada was extremely successful and led to significant political shifts in a short amount of time.
  2. The actions of the trucker convoy resulted in the government caving on key issues and policies within a week.
  3. This protest demonstrated the power of coordination and initiative among middle-class groups and hinted at larger societal changes.

The Curious Case of Luigi Mangione. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2921 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Public Health
  1. Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was from a wealthy background and seemed normal to those who knew him. His social media showed no extreme political views but did include a controversial book.
  2. Mangione went through a tumultuous time after back surgery, which might have contributed to his change in behavior. His arrest and the context surrounding it have led to public speculation about his motives.
  3. Despite his serious charges, some people online celebrated Mangione, seeing him as a kind of anti-hero against the healthcare system, illustrating the complex reactions to his actions.

There is No Ideal Drug Policy

Freddie deBoer • 3310 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Prohibition Criminal Justice Public Health Political Ideology
  1. There is no perfect solution for drug policy because people will always seek out drugs, and some might suffer serious consequences from their choices. It's important to accept that addiction and tragedy can happen, regardless of the laws in place.
  2. Efforts to decriminalize drugs often come with challenges, but reverting to strict prohibition has historically failed and leads to more harm than good. Enforcing harsh penalties on the drug trade can result in a cycle of injustice and social problems.
  3. The idea that every issue has a simple solution can be misleading. Sometimes, trying to fix a complex problem like drug use with quick fixes can create more issues rather than resolving the existing ones.

Fake Standards & Real Pro-Trump Censorship: 60 Minutes, CBS News, Bari Weiss, Paramount-Skydance, the Ellisons, & the Trumps

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 138 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Corporate Power Political Influence Immigration Authoritarianism
  1. A finished 60 Minutes report about El Salvador’s prison camps was pulled after demands that it include an interview with a Trump administration official, turning a call for “balance” into a de facto veto.
  2. Corporate owners and partners seem to prioritize protecting business ties and avoiding Trump’s ire, leading them to tolerate newsroom self‑censorship rather than risk political or financial fallout.
  3. The episode shows how ostensible standards and elite media maneuvering can function as real pro‑Trump censorship, and how praise for figures who enable that behavior helps normalize the cycle.

The Long Shadow of January 6th

The Future, Now and Then • 110 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political parties Accountability Extremism Media Governance
  1. Failing to punish political and media elites who promoted the Big Lie lets insurrectionist behavior become normalized, making future attacks more likely.
  2. Preventing another January 6th requires focusing on elite accountability and sustained normative pressure—especially from institutional Republicans—rather than only civic education or blaming platforms.
  3. Media, tech, and business often prioritized profit and safety over principle, and that retreat, combined with weakened legal and political checks, has pushed the political system toward greater authoritarian risk.

âš  America has a bright future. Let's talk about what could prevent it from happening

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Future outlook Economic Growth Existential risks Technological Advances Environmental Concerns
  1. The future looks bright for America, with many advancements in technology and health expected in the coming years. These advancements might lead to major changes in how people live and work.
  2. Surreal headlines will likely become the norm as we move toward 2035, showcasing significant achievements like clean energy and overcoming diseases. This is a reminder that big changes take time, but they can happen.
  3. When progress is made in various fields, it opens the door for serious discussions about larger risks we face, like environmental disasters. A growing economy can encourage healthy conversations about the future.

Solving America's Debt Crisis

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2194 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debt crisis Fiscal policy Monetary Policy Government spending Economic Reform
  1. The U.S. is facing a serious debt crisis, with over $36 trillion in debt. This situation is dangerous and could lead to major economic problems if not addressed soon.
  2. The national debt has grown dramatically due to various factors like wars, tax cuts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now out of control and not sustainable.
  3. A proposed solution, the Chicago Plan, suggests that the government should only issue money without debt. This could help eliminate most of the national debt and create a more stable economy.

Useless Partisanship Weakens Necessary Partisanship

Drezner’s World • 1100 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Partisanship Oversight Congress
  1. Partisanship is important in politics but can become harmful if taken too far, leading to government dysfunction.
  2. Transparency and proper communication are essential in high-ranking government positions, like Secretary of Defense.
  3. Having a functioning opposition party is crucial for proper governance, as it ensures accountability and oversight.

Thoughts On The Ceasefire Deal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2514 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Political Analysis International relations Elections Peace efforts
  1. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that takes effect soon, but there's been violence leading up to it. This makes the situation very dangerous for people in Gaza right now.
  2. Trump's team played a key role in this ceasefire, and some believe that his victory is actually better for Gaza than Biden's administration, which didn't act decisively to stop the violence.
  3. There's a glimmer of hope that the ongoing suffering in Gaza might finally be easing, but the overall fight for peace and justice is far from over. People are allowing themselves to feel hope, even if it's challenging.

coloring outside the lines of color revolutions

bad cattitude • 199 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Public Opinion Media Analysis
  1. Modern information warfare creates a confusing environment where it’s hard to know what’s true anymore. Lies and misinformation can manipulate belief systems and alter public perception.
  2. Color revolutions are not always grassroots movements; they can be orchestrated by powerful entities aiming for regime change while disguising their true intentions. This manipulation can deeply affect trust and stability in a nation.
  3. To break free from the confusion and deception, we need to step back and reassess our foundational values. Instead of getting trapped in reactive cycles, focusing on building from core truths can help restore clarity and purpose.

The week of the NZ Midwifery petition, the Aussie court case Tickle v Giggle, and the UK Cass Review.

A B’Old Woman • 519 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Legal Cases Health Policy Social movements Public Discourse
  1. A new petition in New Zealand is pushing for an investigation into midwifery practices, signaling a shift in how politicians view discussions on gender issues.
  2. An Australian court case is determining if someone who identifies as a woman should be allowed access to a women-only app, raising important questions about gender identity rights.
  3. The UK Cass Review found that puberty blockers were being used too liberally, sparking a call for more careful discussions about their use and the impact of gender ideology in healthcare.

Americans Stir Up Trouble in Europe. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Government actions Public Opinion
  1. Americans are creating a stir in Europe, with political figures speaking out against issues like free speech and defense. It's making many in Europe realize just how much U.S. politics is affecting them.
  2. There's a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe on important values like freedom and democracy. As leaders discuss policy changes, it seems both sides are moving apart.
  3. A prominent conversation is happening around the idea of 'brokenism,' where people are debating whether traditional institutions are failing or need to be reformed. It's highlighting a significant split in American political thought.

Michael Wolff on Stephen Miller

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 115 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency White House Immigration Law enforcement Authoritarianism Media
  1. Stephen Miller was viewed by insiders as an extreme, almost fascistic figure whose demeanor and rhetoric suggested something deeply troubling.
  2. He went from being treated as a joke to becoming a central power in Trump’s orbit, helping design harsh immigration enforcement and driving Trump’s comeback and second-term agenda.
  3. Trump didn’t invent America’s brutal global actions, imperial presidency, or cruel neoliberal policies — he’s exposing, testing, and more openly delivering what already existed.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's private military contractor hires crisis comms firm led by former Biden and Obama spokespersons

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 956 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Military Human Rights Media
  1. A private military contractor named UG Solutions is working on aid distribution in Gaza, but it faces criticism for its connections to military operations.
  2. UG Solutions hired a PR firm led by former government spokespersons to help manage the negative publicity they've received about their actions in Gaza.
  3. There have been reports of violence near UG Solutions' aid sites, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of their humanitarian efforts.

France Wages All-Out War On Free Speech

Michael Shellenberger • 862 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Censorship Social media Law enforcement
  1. France is cracking down on free speech, which includes arresting people for not cooperating with law enforcement.
  2. The French government claims their actions are not political, but many see it as a threat to freedom of expression.
  3. Social media platforms like Telegram are under scrutiny in France, leading to serious legal issues for their leaders.

The Other Immigrant Crisis: Identity Theft

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 987 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Social Security Employment
  1. Some people are stealing Social Security numbers to find work in the U.S. This creates serious problems for the victims who end up facing financial issues.
  2. Individuals affected by identity theft may mistakenly appear to have high incomes, which can lead to them losing benefits, like food assistance. This can make their financial struggles even worse.
  3. The problem of identity theft isn't just about money; it deeply affects people's lives and families, causing stress and hardship.

Predictions and Prophecies for 2025

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2601 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Predictions Geopolitics Military conflict Political Analysis
  1. The petrodollar system is declining, which could change how countries trade oil. This could cause major shifts in global finance.
  2. There’s a lot of conflict happening around the world, and some believe we might already be in World War III, though experts mostly disagree.
  3. The upcoming presidency will be crucial for America. There are concerns about potential economic collapse and global conflict affecting the country.

Livestream Event: Glenn Loury on Clarence Thomas

Glenn Loury • 1249 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal system Social Issues Race relations Presidency
  1. Livestream event discussing the significance of Justice Clarence Thomas and his impact on American law and society.
  2. Justice Clarence Thomas is celebrated for his efforts to uphold individual liberties and limit federal government powers.
  3. Criticism against Justice Thomas often focuses on personal attacks rather than his judicial ideas, especially from black critics who question his loyalty to the African American community.

They Lied About Gaza, And They're Lying About Syria

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media Criticism Government Accountability
  1. The situation in Syria involves complex political maneuvers, and the U.S. has played a role in fostering chaos there. It's important to question the official narratives about conflicts instead of accepting them at face value.
  2. Many people see through lies about one conflict, like Gaza, but still believe the stories told about another, like Syria. It's vital to maintain curiosity and seek the truth across all situations.
  3. The way homelessness is treated reflects larger societal issues. Instead of hiding homelessness from view, we should confront the underlying problems and injustices that cause it.

Come On, Peggy Noonan, Just Say You Were Wrong

COVID Reason • 1606 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media influence Public Health Pandemic response Political Commentary
  1. Many public figures refuse to admit when they are wrong about past events.
  2. It is important for pundits to acknowledge past mistakes, as it can be a positive and honest gesture.
  3. The truth about past events, especially in public health policies, must be acknowledged and understood for the future.

Trump, Tucker, and the War Tearing Apart MAGA

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1131 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Public Opinion Media
  1. Trump publicly criticized Tucker Carlson, showing tensions within the MAGA movement. It seems like their relationship is not as strong as it once was.
  2. Carlson argued against U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, suggesting that Trump is partly responsible for the situation.
  3. There is a growing divide among MAGA supporters regarding foreign policy and their approach to issues like the conflict with Israel and Iran.

RFK Jr.’s War on mRNA Vaccines. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Elections Public Health Political strategy Social Issues
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is opposing mRNA vaccine research and the government is cutting $500 million in funding for related projects. This has raised concerns about the balance between politics and science.
  2. A group of doctors wants to change the definition of death to potentially increase organ availability, but this could risk the lives of patients who might regain consciousness.
  3. There are discussions around the Broadway hit 'Hamilton', questioning if it could be made today due to political and societal changes affecting its content and reception.

Trump, the state and the revolution

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2098 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Revolution Inequality Government
  1. Trump has changed a lot since his first term. He feels more experienced and might want to leave a lasting impact.
  2. The current changes in the government are seen as a revolutionary effort, similar to past movements that aimed to restructure the state.
  3. There’s a struggle for control within the government, as many people in power have different beliefs from Trump and his supporters.