The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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

A note on the ridiculous 2026 "National Defense Strategy"

Michael Tracey • 70 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Foreign Policy Military Geopolitics Defense industry Asia-Pacific Middle East
  1. It claims a pivot to "realism" but actually calls for expanding the U.S. military footprint worldwide — new bases near China, more access in Greenland and Panama, deeper Middle East involvement, and more presence in Europe and Africa.
  2. The rhetoric rejects past regime change and nation-building, yet the plan and recent actions empower allies, enable interventions (e.g., Venezuela and Gaza), and push a wartime-scale boost in military production.
  3. These strategy papers largely package presidential impulses as official doctrine, so U.S. priorities end up being whatever the president decides rather than a coherent, constrained strategy.

The Last Days of Gaza

The Chris Hedges Report • 1109 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Middle East Political Conflict Civil Rights
  1. Many people in Gaza are suffering greatly, lacking basic needs like food, water, and medicine. The situation has become extremely desperate and dangerous for everyone there.
  2. Some actions being taken appear to manipulate and control the starving population instead of genuinely helping them. This is compared to historical instances of mass suffering and deception.
  3. The ongoing tragedy in Gaza is causing deep scars that will not easily be forgotten. People may later try to rewrite history to avoid facing their roles in the situation.

The Unconstrained Vision Lives

In My Tribe • 789 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Socialism Wokeism Political theory Authoritarianism
  1. Wokeism is seen as a dangerous ideology that uses power and censorship to reshape society for social justice, often leading to authoritarianism.
  2. There is a persistent appeal for equality and socialism, especially among young people, though older generations remember the downsides of these ideas.
  3. The belief that society can be perfected can lead to frustration and harsh methods, highlighting a struggle between idealism and reality.

Germans Say ‘No’ to Immigration. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Immigration Populism Foreign Policy
  1. In Germany's recent elections, the right-wing populist party AfD made big gains, highlighting public concern over immigration. Many voters want to stop mass immigration but prefer not to support AfD directly.
  2. Trump's new policies are changing America's approach to Ukraine, which some view as a betrayal of both Ukraine and American values. Critics are worried about the potential consequences of this shift.
  3. A small group held a vigil in New York for a recently killed terrorist leader, but many attendees did not even know his name. This raises questions about awareness and understanding of international issues among people.

Is Canada Mending the Housing Market?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Real Estate Investment Trends Economic Reform Urban Development
  1. Canada has been improving its housing construction policies, especially for apartments. Now, they're building apartments at a much higher rate than the U.S., which could help address their housing issues.
  2. Successful housing solutions in Canada and Australia focus more on building the right types of homes in urban areas instead of just increasing total construction. This could also be key for improving affordability.
  3. There are concerns about large investors buying up housing in Canada, but the scale is much smaller than in the U.S. It looks like Canada might be facing some similar challenges as the U.S. with rental market pressures.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Monthly Roundup #24: November 2024

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2956 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Discrimination Training Public Opinion Policy
  1. Many college students often make poor choices, like banning paid public toilets, showing they can sometimes lack maturity in decision-making.
  2. Training programs on workplace discrimination might force participants to agree with statements they find absurd, suggesting a problem with coercive speech.
  3. Discrimination can occur based on people's names, with studies showing that hard-to-pronounce names can negatively impact job prospects, showing biases in hiring.

Settled, Not Immigrant

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Cultural Identity History Social Issues
  1. America is described as a 'settled' country where earlier settlers established a foundation for future immigrants. It's important to recognize this difference in how we think about immigration.
  2. The original settlers faced many risks to create their new lives, and their successes made it more appealing for immigrants to come later. This history shapes our understanding of what it means to immigrate.
  3. While valuing the contributions of immigrants, it's essential for them to integrate and adopt American culture. The focus should be on becoming American rather than maintaining ties to their countries of origin.

Waiting at the Center of the Terrible 20s

CDR Salamander • 884 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Budget National Security
  1. The 2020s are shaping up to be challenging due to economic, political, and budgetary issues.
  2. There's a significant national debt expected in 2025, with tax cuts expiring and other financial challenges.
  3. The US needs to prepare for the implications of the People's Republic of China's rise amidst these economic and political challenges.

Our Titanic Juneteenth Pride

donaldjeffries • 1729 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Politics Humor Media Culture
  1. The submersible used in the recent deep sea exploration resembled ramshackle Apollo spacecrafts, raising questions about safety and testing procedures.
  2. The failure of a military rescue mission near the Titanic wreckage highlighted the limitations and shortcomings of government agencies.
  3. The author expresses skepticism towards the significance and celebrations of Juneteenth and Pride Month, questioning the motives behind these commemorations.

Incessantly calling men toxic is a bad way to get their votes

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 2994 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political parties Public Opinion Media influence
  1. Calling men toxic all the time isn’t a good strategy to win their votes. It’s better to understand and address their feelings instead.
  2. Instead of only focusing on culture wars, politicians should talk about real issues that affect people's lives, like economic struggles.
  3. Men have their own challenges and need to feel valued and heard. Engaging them positively is key to gaining their support.

Reading Abundance from China

ChinaTalk • 933 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Political Commentary Cultural Studies Public Policy Economic Development
  1. American culture often struggles to imagine a 'good life' that includes public spaces and urban living. This limits progress on ideas that promote communal and sustainable lifestyles.
  2. The way environmental assessments are done in both China and the U.S. can miss important broader impacts and local effects, which leads to a narrow understanding of policy outcomes.
  3. Both the U.S. and China need to stop idealizing each other's successes and instead understand their unique challenges. Viewing one another through filtered lenses can lead to misunderstanding and missed opportunities.

The Bloomberg Story Demonstrated Just How Much Some People Will Make Excuses For Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Biden Ukraine Russia Elections
  1. Many people are making excuses for Trump's actions, even though his decisions can lead to serious consequences. This trend shows a refusal to hold him accountable for what he does.
  2. The conversation between Witkoff and a Russian adviser proves Trump was informed about ongoing negotiations. It suggests that he is actively involved and aware of the situation.
  3. Despite the troubling evidence, Trump continues to support people like Witkoff. This behavior reflects a pattern of surrounding himself with individuals who often act in ways that benefit Russian interests.

Will Trump Bomb Iran (Part 2)?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 90 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Presidency Military Strategy Middle East Geopolitics
  1. A prior prediction that Trump would not bomb Iran turned out to be wrong.
  2. His decision to strike Iran and how he reacted then serve as useful indicators of what he might do in the future.
  3. He's likely to attack again if he believes he can get an easy win, and concerns about his political base didn't stop the earlier strike.

"Defining Deviancy Down" at 30: Reflections on Crime, Welfare, and Mental Health

Glenn Loury • 1706 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Welfare Mental health Social norms
  1. Moynihan's essay 'Defining Deviancy Down' explores the impact of shifting norms and incentives on society.
  2. Critics of Moynihan's work questioned his motives rather than engaging with the validity of his analysis.
  3. The redefinition of deviancy has implications for mental health, substance abuse, and social control in society, leading to complex outcomes.

What American Students Aren’t Taught About Slavery. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education History Legislation Social Issues Media
  1. Many American students do not learn that slavery was not just an American issue but a global one. This limited perspective means they miss out on important historical truths.
  2. There is a call for a better way to teach about slavery that recognizes its worldwide existence without downplaying the horrors of American slavery.
  3. Juneteenth serves as a reminder to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the importance of educating young people about history accurately.

Finding Lost Hills: An ‘Our Towns’ Report.

Breaking the News • 1051 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Education Economics Community Sustainability
  1. Lost Hills is a small town in California's Central Valley that represents a mix of agriculture, immigration, and community challenges. It produces a significant amount of food but struggles with economic inequality.
  2. The town is seeing positive changes due to investments in community services, such as a pedestrian bridge and better housing options. Philanthropic efforts are helping to improve education and overall quality of life for residents.
  3. Local schools focus on building trust with families and adapting to their needs, providing a range of support services. This helps create a sense of community and fosters success for students from diverse backgrounds.

Free Speech Is Actually Really Simple

Castalia • 1278 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech First Amendment Civil Rights Political Discourse Media Regulation
  1. Free speech is important because it allows everyone to express their ideas, even the ones that are controversial. When we let others speak freely, we protect our own right to speak up too.
  2. There are some concerns that free speech can support harmful ideas or groups. However, allowing open discussion can help check power and make society stronger over time.
  3. Private companies can set their own speech rules, but this can create problems and complicate open discussions. It's often better to stick with the basic idea of free speech to keep conversations simple and honest.

ATW Live : Election Recap at 12 pm ET/ 11 am CT today

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3023 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Analysis Media
  1. The recent elections had a very close race, which kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the results were officially announced.
  2. Today at noon ET, there will be a live recap discussing the outcome and what it means for the future.
  3. You can join the conversation and watch the recap on platforms like Rumble or YouTube.

Jordan And Egypt Snub Trump's Ethnic Cleansing Plan

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2184 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Human Rights Middle East Public Opinion
  1. Jordan and Egypt have rejected a plan by Trump to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to their countries. Both nations emphasize their support for Palestinians staying on their land.
  2. There is concern that Trump may still attempt to pressure these nations into compliance with his plan. The resistance from Jordan and Egypt suggests significant challenges for achieving that goal.
  3. There is a critique of how political and media classes share similar views, limiting diverse perspectives and accountability regarding issues like the treatment of Palestinians.

When There's No Money In The Pursuit Of The Good And No Goodness In The Pursuit Of Money

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Wealth Inequality Activism Capitalism
  1. Pursuing good often leads to less money and material comfort, as many helpful professions pay poorly, like teaching and environmental work.
  2. On the flip side, many wealthy people achieve their success through exploitation and harmful practices, which can hurt society and the environment.
  3. This situation shows how our systems reward those who prioritize profit over ethics, meaning the truly good people often go unrecognized while the selfish gain power.

Sacred Cows

The Lens • 904 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Federal Reserve Inflation Monetary Policy Public Perception
  1. Economists, market participants, pundits, and policymakers got some big things wrong in recent years, like the transitory nature of inflation.
  2. The public perception of elites may be that they often know nothing, even elites admit to being wrong on significant matters.
  3. There was a discussion on the impact of rate hikes on inflation, challenging the traditional narrative and the idea that monetary policy has no effect.

What to Learn From China.

Breaking the News • 1051 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics China relations Education & Policy Industrial Policy Immigration
  1. China's history shows how important international students are for higher education. The U.S. benefits greatly from the brilliant students who come from China and other countries.
  2. Long-term planning in industrial policy can lead to success. China effectively uses consistent strategies to boost its economy, while chaotic policies in the U.S. might not work as well.
  3. Understanding China's past troubles helps provide context for current issues. The Cultural Revolution was a dark time, and it's important to learn about such events to avoid repeating mistakes.

It’s official! Control of women's and girls' single-sex spaces in Christchurch, NZ, is no longer in the hands of women and girls.

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Gender Issues Policy Analysis Civil Rights Local Governance
  1. The new Equity and Inclusion Policy in Christchurch has removed the protection of single-sex spaces for women and girls. This means that these spaces are now open to people who identify as women, including men.
  2. By not including the term 'sex' in the policy, it's hard to enforce rights for single-sex areas. This change makes it unclear if women's rights in these spaces will be respected or considered at all.
  3. Women and girls can no longer directly ask a man to leave a female space. Instead, they must call a staff member to deal with the situation, which takes away their control and comfort in these spaces.

As The Gaza Agenda Moves Forward, The Imperial Narrative Shifts With It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2086 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Media narratives Human Rights Political Commentary
  1. The narrative around Gaza's conditions has changed, going from denying any destruction to suggesting it needs to be evacuated due to its unlivable state.
  2. There is a shift in how supporters of Israel talk about the situation, moving from defending military actions to now acknowledging the devastation as a reason for evacuating the population.
  3. Controlling the narrative is crucial, as it reflects how the powers involved justify their actions amidst changing circumstances and agendas.

For Martin Luther King Day: Let us End his 2nd Assassination

Matt Ehret's Insights • 982 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Assassination Historical revisionism Political Activism
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. had a multi-faceted vision beyond civil rights, including economic justice and fighting imperialism.
  2. There have been recent attempts to tarnish MLK's legacy with unproven allegations, part of a long-standing effort to assassinate his memory.
  3. Important figures like Bobby Kennedy played significant roles in supporting MLK and challenging the FBI, despite attempts to paint them otherwise.

The Politicization of Intelligence

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1118 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Decision-making Policy Analysis Political theory Ethics
  1. Intelligence can be influenced by politics, which means the information gathered isn't always objective. This can lead to bad decisions based on flawed data.
  2. It's important for decision-makers to be open to different views and facts, even if they don't fit their hopes. Ignoring contrary evidence can lead to problems, like the difficulties faced in Iraq.
  3. Leaders in politics and intelligence need to focus on reality and not let political agendas shape the truth. Good outcomes come from honest assessments, not just from trying to win political arguments.

Epilogue in the In Trump Time Serialization

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 923 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Election Integrity COVID-19 Response Vaccination Regime Change
  1. Issues related to Communist China's economic aggression and military rise are crucial in national policy debate.
  2. Investigation into the 2020 election is essential to maintain election system integrity.
  3. Recognition of medical and political dangers related to COVID-19 vaccines and authoritarian measures is vital.

NYC Trades Prosperity for Socialism

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Policy Government Political theory
  1. Cities like NYC are experiencing negative effects from far-left policies, which might harm their economic futures.
  2. People worried about the potential financial crash in NYC can expect municipal bonds to dramatically lose value, especially if these policies continue.
  3. Wealthy individuals and businesses may leave NYC for better opportunities elsewhere, making life tougher for those who can't afford to move.

Economists and Dentists

In My Tribe • 789 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Expertise Economics Public Policy Activism Education
  1. Experts can be grouped into three types: practitioners, analysts, and activists. Practitioners solve real-life problems, like dentists fixing teeth.
  2. Analysts, like economists, use models and data to understand complex issues but don't deal directly with physical reality. Their insights can vary depending on how they view the world.
  3. Activists often push personal beliefs under the guise of analysis. It's important to differentiate them from honest analysts to maintain trust in expert opinions.

Trump Promised Voters Lower Prices: He Lied—& People Are Angry

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Trade policy Labor Market Inflation Housing policy Technology Policy
  1. Affordability is mostly people’s anger at high nominal prices after a one‑time inflation jump, with tariffs and housing costs making the pain worse; political debate should call out broken promises to cut prices and focus on raising incomes and reducing monopoly-driven rents instead of promising magic price drops.
  2. The labor market looks frozen at the margin — hiring is paused even though unemployment is low — because tariff uncertainty and AI-driven investment make firms reluctant to hire; policy should reduce trade uncertainty and incentivize hiring, apprenticeships, and retraining.
  3. The current AI boom is propping up demand and investment but is uneven, uncertain, and may be misallocated; smaller, cheaper models and more deployment-focused investment across many firms could deliver broader benefits than a hyperscaler datacenter arms race.

America This Week Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2109 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Media Policy Public Opinion
  1. There is a livestream event called America This Week happening at 8 PM ET tonight, where important topics will be discussed.
  2. The hosts will cover media reactions to the new Trump administration and Senate confirmation hearings for notable figures.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, and they can also follow the hosts on Twitter for updates.

Help make local meat affordable again!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1697 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Agriculture Food Safety Economy
  1. Support for the PRIME Act can lead to more affordable and accessible local meat options by allowing farmers to use local butchers without costly USDA intermediaries.
  2. Passage of the PRIME Act would increase access to local slaughterhouses, improve food safety, boost food security, and contribute to the local economy.
  3. Taking action by calling or emailing legislators to support the PRIME Act, meeting with representatives, and spreading awareness can make a significant impact on the future of local meat production.

No Kings

Points And Figures • 1065 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Governance Election Process Political History
  1. Fringe Democrats showed anger on Flag Day instead of celebrating the Army's anniversary and the American value of having no kings. Celebrating independence is a big deal in July, but they missed the point.
  2. There are long-serving politicians in both parties, but more in the Democratic party. If people want no kings, they should support term limits and new blood in politics.
  3. Legacy politicians, like those whose families have held power for generations, look a lot like royalty. It's worth questioning why this continues in a democracy.