The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Will Trump Keep Public Lands in Public Hands?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 899 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Environmental Issues Government Regulation Conservation
  1. Public lands should stay accessible to everyone, regardless of wealth. This access allows people to enjoy nature and various activities.
  2. Trump previously promised not to sell off public lands, which was surprising for a real estate developer. It's important to see if he keeps this promise in his next term.
  3. While logging public lands can help manage forests, selling them off is a serious issue. Once sold, these lands will be developed and unavailable for future public enjoyment.

What the Jeffrey Epstein Fight Is Really About. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 769 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Trump Politics Public Opinion Political Scandals
  1. The ongoing debates about Jeffrey Epstein reveal the deep divides in politics, particularly within Trump's base. Many people are still reacting strongly to the Epstein case, which keeps resurfacing in political discussions.
  2. Child sex abuse is a significant issue that often gets overlooked amid the Epstein scandal. It's important to recognize the broader problem of such abuse and the victims involved, rather than just focusing on Epstein himself.
  3. There's a trend in politics that revolves around alliances and conflicts, like between Trump and his supporters. These rifts show how complicated and ever-changing political loyalties can be.

After the Bombs: What Remains of Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 904 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Defense International relations National Security
  1. The U.S. military dropped large bombs on Iran's nuclear sites, marking a big moment for America and the Middle East. Many people are discussing the fallout of this action and what it means for the future.
  2. There are concerns about how effective the strikes were since reports suggest that Iran may have moved important equipment before the bombs fell. This raises questions about whether Iran's nuclear program is truly damaged.
  3. In Israel, there is a mix of hope and uncertainty following the strikes. Some are feeling optimistic about potential changes, while others worry about possible retaliation and the larger implications of the conflict.
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Some 2026 Predictions

The Future, Now and Then • 126 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Judiciary Media Technology Policy Economy Foreign Policy Public Health Climate
  1. Trump’s governing coalition looks brittle and likely to fracture from internal infighting, which will reduce their capacity to attack opponents and could help Democrats win narrow congressional majorities, though authoritarian moves may still intensify.
  2. The AI boom will keep inflating but trigger a strong cultural backlash as low-quality AI output becomes ubiquitous; the government may prop up AI finance to avoid a crash while crypto likely slips into another winter as investors pull back.
  3. Broader systems are worsening: billionaires will consolidate media, platforms and public agencies may fail to handle disasters or health crises, and rising emissions and preventable deaths could cause long-term harm even if political power shifts.

Amy Coney Barrett and Bari Weiss Live in NYC: Get Your Tickets Now

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Constitution Civil Rights Political Ideology
  1. Justice Amy Coney Barrett is a unique figure on the Supreme Court, not having attended an Ivy League school and being a mother of seven. She often stands out for her ability to work across political lines.
  2. Her upcoming book, 'Listening to the Law,' shares insights about the Supreme Court and her judicial philosophy. The book will be available for attendees to buy at a discounted price before its official release.
  3. The event aims to explore the future of the Supreme Court and its impact on American society, tackling important topics like privacy and civil rights in today’s changing world.

The Right’s 1939 Project. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 769 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political trends Election Strategies Progressivism Public Policy
  1. There's a growing movement on the right that challenges America's role in World War II and the postwar world. This new group is trying to reshape how history is understood.
  2. Progressives today are facing criticism for straying from their original goals, which some believe are hurting meaningful progress.
  3. President Biden's use of an autopen to sign official documents is seen as a distraction from bigger issues his administration is facing.

I have bad instincts. Listen to me.

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Behavior Public Opinion Governance Political theory Polarization Elections Judiciary
  1. Making lots of mistakes can be an advantage because people who learn the hard way figure out step-by-step how to correct themselves and can teach that process to others.
  2. Societies need governments and centralized adjudication to prevent endless private revenge, since evolved impulses to punish don’t scale well in large, diverse groups.
  3. Admitting when we’re wrong and being willing to change our minds is essential for political coexistence. People often vote based on feeling liked more than policy, so empathy and forgiveness matter.

AHM v. FDA reaches the Supreme Court

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Supreme Court FDA Abortion Standing
  1. Plaintiffs in the case lack standing, which weakens their argument. They need to show personal harm, not just philosophical opposition.
  2. Even if plaintiffs had standing, their claims fail on the merits. The FDA's decisions were well-reasoned and based on evidence, debunking plaintiffs' objections.
  3. Banning mifepristone won't help the plaintiff-doctors study it; rather, it will hinder data collection. The FDA's evaluation of studies appears rational and reasonable.

Here Come the New Industrialists

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Manufacturing Economy Supply Chains Political crisis Global Competition
  1. America used to be a leading manufacturer, but now it relies heavily on goods from China. This shift has affected many American communities and industries.
  2. China is making more products than the U.S., with advanced factories that operate without human workers. This highlights a big gap in manufacturing capabilities between the two countries.
  3. There is a concern about America's dependence on China for essential supplies, which raises questions about national security and economic independence.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1948 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Governance Media Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where they will discuss important political topics. It's a great opportunity to hear some insights and opinions live.
  2. The hosts will talk about how journalists should approach covering Trump's second administration, which is a hot topic right now.
  3. Trump's recent executive orders will also be discussed, including the declassification of files related to famous assassinations, which could change how we view those events.

It's Gross And Cringey To Love A State Like Israel Or The USA

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Government Critique Power Structures Political Discourse
  1. It's considered immature to have strong emotional ties to a nation like the USA or Israel. Loving a state often leads people to blindly defend its actions, no matter how harmful they might be.
  2. We can have real relationships with individuals or communities, but nations are just too big and complex for that. When we feel love for a country, it's usually just for a symbol we've created in our minds.
  3. People who defend their government like a parent are not taking responsibility for their own beliefs. It's important to think independently and not let powerful entities dictate what is right or wrong.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1882 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Immigration Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are struggling after recent election losses and need to rethink their strategy. They should choose their battles wisely and focus on presenting themselves as moderate and reasonable alternatives to Trump.
  2. A UN official lost her job for refusing to call Israel's actions a genocide. She faced threats and harassment for standing by her beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against popular narratives.
  3. Many communities are feeling anxious due to recent ICE raids, causing people to fear leaving their homes and going to work. This fear is affecting everyday life, especially in Latino neighborhoods.

The Tariff Game

Points And Figures • 1918 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Political Economy Regulations Government spending
  1. Tariffs are often more about politics than economics, and many believe they don't help growth. They're seen as special favors rather than economic tools.
  2. While tariffs can raise prices, their real impact on the economy isn't as severe as some think. They could even lead to slower growth, which might help reduce inflation.
  3. There are concerns that government job cuts could hurt people who lack skills for other jobs. However, adapting and reinventing oneself is crucial, as others have had to do in tough situations.

Why New York Just Voted for a 33-Year-Old Socialist

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Socialism Political trends Campaigning
  1. Zohran Mamdani shocked everyone by defeating Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral primary, surprising many political experts.
  2. Mamdani, who is only 33 years old, had been polling at 1 percent just months earlier, showing how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Cuomo, who expected to win, acknowledged Mamdani's victory with grace, marking a significant moment in the political landscape.

Snobulism

KERFUFFLE • 135 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Class Struggle Elites Populism
  1. Rich and powerful people sometimes act like they care about the working class, but their actions don’t really support that. They may use the struggles of the poor to justify their own interests.
  2. Some tech billionaires are pretending to stand up for everyday Americans while benefiting from policies that actually harm them, like wars that drive up costs for working families.
  3. In a democracy, leaders should represent the people's interests. When they push for military action, they often pretend it's for the good of the working class, but really they are serving their own agendas.

Is Air-Conditioning the Mark of Civilization? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Civilization Elections Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Air-conditioning is better in the U.S. than in Europe, and without it, places can get extremely uncomfortable in hot weather. Many people in Europe even find it hard to stay cool during heat waves.
  2. New laws in the UK may restrict free speech, including joking in pubs, which is a traditional part of British culture. This is seen as a threat to the way of life in Britain.
  3. There are significant concerns about U.S. preparedness for potential drone attacks. Experts believe that the current systems in place may not be enough to prevent such threats.

It's A Centrist Country

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Gerrymandering Political parties Voting Rights Public Policy
  1. Gerrymandering is a big issue because it reduces competition in elections. This means that extreme candidates get more chances to win, while moderate voices struggle to be heard.
  2. Some voting rules, like mail-in ballots and early voting, may sound fairer, but they can end up making things less fair and allowing for manipulation. High turnout isn't always the goal; sometimes, it's about who controls the process.
  3. Cleaning up voter rolls and pushing for transparency, like voter ID laws, are seen as important steps for honest elections. Different political parties often have different views on these issues, leading to debates about fairness.

Top Links 812 Arresting toddlers. How China is changing the global drugs pipeline. Epic narratives of the green revolution & how the destruction of Gaza is even worse than previously estimated.

Chartbook • 672 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Policy Immigration Human Rights
  1. Some toddlers in the US have been arrested by immigration officials, raising concerns about the treatment of young children in the justice system.
  2. China is significantly impacting the global drug trade, which is reshaping how drugs are sourced and distributed worldwide.
  3. The destruction in Gaza is reported to be worse than initially thought, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Actual Malice

Glenn’s Substack • 1513 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Supreme Court Civil Rights First Amendment Media
  1. The Supreme Court's decision in New York Times v. Sullivan constitutionalized the law of libel.
  2. The case highlighted the importance of the 'actual malice' standard in libel cases, requiring proof of knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth.
  3. The Sullivan case had a significant impact by protecting the press from libel suits, but also raised concerns about media responsibility and trust over time.

Elon's American Party

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political Ideologies Governance Campaign strategies
  1. Starting a new third party in the U.S. could be very difficult and might not succeed, as history shows third parties often fail. It might split votes in ways that help the opposing party.
  2. The Republican Party is changing, moving away from old traditions and looking for new ideas. There are different views within the party, making it less unified compared to the Democrats.
  3. Instead of forming a new party, it might be smarter to support existing Republican candidates using a new label. This way, new ideas can be introduced without starting from scratch.

Orf vs. the Memory Hole: Biden Repeatedly Confuses Ukraine, Russia, and Iraq

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5614 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leaders Elections
  1. Biden has been repeatedly confusing Ukraine, Russia, and Iraq, which is a cause for concern as it suggests a deeper issue.
  2. It's not uncommon for politicians to forget names, but Biden's mix-up of countries like Iraq and Ukraine is particularly alarming.
  3. The substitution of Iraq for Ukraine by Biden is highlighted as one of the most worrying aspects of his confusion during speeches.

With UN blessing, the US and Israel impose the master’s plan

Aaron Mate • 226 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights International relations Geopolitics Middle East
  1. The US has historically used its power at the UN to protect Israel from accountability for actions against Palestinians.
  2. A new resolution backed by the US supports a plan that disregards Palestinian rights, showing a shift in global consensus towards their situation.
  3. Israel is now the dominant military power in the region, openly rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state and pushing for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1703 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Media Policy
  1. There will be an ATW livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET, where important topics related to the FBI and national security will be discussed. It's a chance to hear insights from knowledgeable voices.
  2. Kash Patel has been confirmed as the new FBI director, and Dan Bongino is set to be the deputy director. This could impact how the FBI operates, especially in politically charged situations.
  3. The discussion will also cover the role of the Internet in news coverage and MSNBC's recent changes, which may interest those following media developments.

Martin Gurri: Make America Debate Again. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Censorship Immigration Political Debate Government actions
  1. Trump is taking a tough stance in foreign policy, like imposing tariffs on Colombia after a standoff over deported migrants. This new approach marks a change from the previous administration's methods.
  2. The discussion around the origins of COVID-19 has shifted, with intelligence now suggesting a lab leak might be more likely. This shows that long-suppressed debates are starting to resurface.
  3. The fight over foreign policy direction in the Trump administration continues with key staffing choices at the Pentagon. These decisions will impact how the U.S. engages with the world.

When Two American Analysts Lecture The Economist About China

Pekingnology • 252 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Media Critique Political Commentary International relations
  1. Some analysts are quick to think Western journalists are just repeating China's party line, but there's a lot more to consider about their sources. It's important to understand the context of these reports instead of jumping to conclusions.
  2. People often assume that anyone talking to Western media in China is just a mouthpiece for the government, which can limit our understanding of the people involved. Not every conversation is a manipulation tactic.
  3. There can be a tendency to underestimate journalists who have spent years in China, as they usually have a deeper grasp of the local dynamics than outsiders. Trusting their expertise is key to understanding nuanced perspectives.

The Plan To Ethnically Cleanse Gaza Didn't Start With Trump

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Domestic Policy Foreign affairs Political Ideology Civil Rights Government Accountability
  1. The idea of removing Palestinians from Gaza isn't new and didn't start with Trump. It's been a long-standing plan that has roots going back decades.
  2. Many politicians and media outlets are pushing the narrative that this plan is a new concept, which is misleading and ignores its historical context.
  3. Democrats seem to be more focused on their feelings about political leadership than actually addressing the ongoing issues. Their actions during the Biden presidency highlight that they are not truly opposed to the injustices happening.

The Nonstop Military Operation Known As Israel

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary International relations Media Critique Military Policy Social Issues
  1. Israel is demolishing homes and causing suffering in Gaza and neighboring areas while claiming to be engaged in military operations. This leads to many civilian casualties and ongoing humanitarian issues.
  2. The political narratives around Israel often shift based on which administration is in power, but both parties support actions that lead to the same harmful outcomes for Palestinians.
  3. People are quick to blame Middle Eastern conflicts on the cultures involved, but they ignore the historical context of Western interventions and atrocities that shaped these situations.

Emperor Elon

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2082 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Power Leadership Influence Social media Corporate Influence
  1. Elon Musk has gained power in a unique way, without violence or conflict. He built a strong following through innovation and technology.
  2. His influence spans many industries and affects political agendas around the world. People seem to eagerly support him, almost like he's a leader.
  3. The transformation of Twitter into 'X' marked a big change, showing how Musk can reshape platforms and communities. This shift surprised many who thought it would fail.

Banning Congressional Stock Trading

Points And Figures • 692 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Ethics Political parties Political Influence
  1. Banning stock trading for Congress members might not be the best solution. It's important for politicians to have a stake in the economy, like owning stocks.
  2. The idea of using blind trusts for lawmakers could prevent any conflicts of interest. This way, they wouldn't directly manage their investments while in office.
  3. Having term limits for politicians could help bring fresh perspectives and reduce careerism in government. It could also encourage politicians to understand the risks and rewards of the private sector.

The Dilemmas of Democracy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1717 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Constitution Political theory Executive Power
  1. Democracy relies on a mix of regular people and experts working together. Everyone is a bit ignorant, but collaboration can help us make better decisions.
  2. Respecting the Constitution is key for effective governance and means no one group gets everything they want. Compromise and understanding are essential in a democracy.
  3. How leaders respond to challenges today will affect the future of governance. They need to be responsible and committed to including everyone in the decision-making process.

New: Shocking From Taibbi

FOIA Around And Find Out • 1493 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Censorship Information Warfare
  1. Some Twitter accounts were banned without a clear explanation, leading to suspicion of being flagged for political reasons.
  2. State Department officials requested Twitter to remove accounts based on claims of being Russian-controlled, without concrete evidence.
  3. The situation raises concerns about information warfare and the targeting of accounts for sharing content related to Russiagate or Hunter Biden.

Can Trump Transform America with a Stroke of His Sharpie?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1961 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Tariffs Political Commentary Government Regulation
  1. Trump pardoned many individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, raising questions about his use of power. Some Republicans are concerned this could be seen as an overreach.
  2. There are debates about whether Trump can effectively use executive orders to change significant policies, like birthright citizenship or halting TikTok's ban.
  3. Plans for tariffs on imports have sparked worries that they could lead to inflation and empower lobbying groups, instead of truly reducing government power.

The Most Important Campaign Stop Is a Rabbi’s Grave

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1701 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Politicians Campaigns Political issues
  1. Visiting the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson is seen as an important gesture by political figures. They believe it connects them to spiritual strength and wisdom.
  2. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing political challenges, with resignations and scrutiny around his actions. He is leveraging visits to the rabbi's grave for personal and public support.
  3. Political leaders often seek guidance from religious and historical figures during tough times. This reflects a desire for deeper connections and reassurance in the face of adversity.

Zohran Mamdani’s Identity Games

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 806 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Policy Identity Media
  1. Zohran Mamdani recorded his racial identity as both Asian and Black on his college application, which raised questions about his honesty or how he identifies.
  2. Despite stating his diverse background, Mamdani was not admitted to Columbia University, where his father was a professor, and instead attended Bowdoin College.
  3. Mamdani recently faced scrutiny for a social media post wishing followers a happy Hanukkah with a video that featured Indian performers, leading to discussions about his cultural representation.

Illegal Immigration at the US Border: Who's Behind It and Why

Peter Boghossian • 727 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Government Progressives Institutions Crisis
  1. Chris Martenson discusses the journey of migrants from Ecuador to the US border, often aided by organizations like the UN and Catholic charities.
  2. The conversation highlights the hypocrisy of Western governments allowing illegal immigration and the resulting distrust in governmental institutions.
  3. The talk concludes on a hopeful note, despite the challenges discussed.

February 10, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Justice Department Elections Immigration Executive Branch Law enforcement National Security
  1. Congressional members were finally allowed to view unredacted Epstein files in a DOJ reading room, but many documents remain unreleased or heavily redacted, fueling concerns of a cover-up and revealing extensive references to powerful people.
  2. The released material has already implicated prominent figures and prompted calls for accountability, triggered resignations and investigations abroad, and even raised suspicions of ties between Epstein’s network and Russian intelligence.
  3. Separately, multiple administration controversies are unfolding — including watchdog questions about ICE tactics and zip-tying, an FBI raid in Fulton County tied to debunked election claims, a governors’ boycott of a White House dinner, and grand juries refusing politically charged indictments — showing growing institutional pushback and political conflict.

Mifepristone and the rule of law, part II

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 2037 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal FDA Judicial Abortion Safety
  1. The district court's decision to overturn the FDA's approval of mifepristone is based on a variety of reasons, such as standing, timeliness, exhaustion, and the merits of the FDA's actions.
  2. The court assessed issues like the criteria for standing, timeliness of the lawsuit, the exhaustion of legal claims, and the agency's compliance with regulations.
  3. In examining the merits, the court questioned the FDA's safety analysis, imposition of restrictions, political influences, and the reasoning behind decisions made over a span of decades.