The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

How popular is Elon Musk?

Silver Bulletin • 751 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Polling Elections Popular culture Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Elon Musk's popularity has decreased significantly, with only 36.7% of Americans viewing him favorably. Most people, about 55%, have an unfavorable opinion of him.
  2. Musk is trying to create a third party called the America Party, but many believe it won't succeed nationally. He plans to target a few Senate and House seats instead.
  3. Political tensions, especially with Donald Trump, are impacting Musk's public perception. His involvement in politics may be seen as a liability for him and his connections.

The Data Dam Break of May 2023: How Twitter Challenged the Racial Industrial Complex

The Rabbit Hole • 1395 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Media Statistics Social media
  1. Data is not racist, but there is a stigma around discussing data on certain topics.
  2. Challenging dominant narratives and spreading reliable information is important.
  3. Engaging with data, asking questions, and using platforms like Twitter can lead to expanding the discourse and challenging establishment ideologies.

On Tyranny free resources

Thinking about... • 854 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social justice Civic engagement Education
  1. You can access free cards and posters that summarize lessons from 'On Tyranny'. You can print these resources and share them easily!
  2. The author encourages people to share the lessons freely, whether digitally or in person. It's important to spread knowledge about resistance and politics.
  3. There are also messages available for sharing on social media, promoting the lessons and their relevance for both individuals and educators.

Who Is Authorizing Biden's Nuclear Brinkmanship While The President's Brain Is Missing?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2337 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Leadership Public Opinion
  1. The Biden administration's actions are increasing tensions with Russia at a dangerous time. This is concerning because it risks a conflict involving nuclear powers.
  2. Many Ukrainians now support peace talks to end the war with Russia. This shows that the desire for continued fighting may not reflect the views of those most affected by the conflict.
  3. People often overlook the ongoing struggles in places like Gaza until they can assign blame to a particular leader. The reality is that suffering is happening now, regardless of who is in charge.

China Is Overtaking America. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections National Security Media Foreign Relations
  1. China is becoming a major player in the electric vehicle market, challenging America's dominance. Many are concerned about how this shift affects jobs and national security.
  2. There are legal concerns surrounding Trump's actions in Washington D.C., with some calling them unlawful. This raises questions about his control over local law enforcement.
  3. Major media outlets are being criticized for their coverage of conflicts, particularly regarding Hamas. Some believe they are not providing a balanced narrative.
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Alex Karp: We Need a New Manhattan Project

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1585 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Military technology International relations
  1. The author believes the tech industry should use its power to create advanced weapons to maintain peace, similar to the historic Manhattan Project. This could involve collaboration between the government and tech companies.
  2. They highlight that America's military strength has helped maintain world peace for nearly a century, and losing that superiority could create dangers for the future.
  3. The article suggests there's a growing belief against using military deterrence, which could lead to instability, so it's urgent for the U.S. and its allies to act and reinforce their military capabilities.

Disaffected: Episode 158

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Public Policy Healthcare Media
  1. There's a sense that many people in the West are out of touch with reality. This disconnect can lead to serious problems for society.
  2. President Biden is showing signs of memory issues, and this has been highlighted in a recent report. It raises concerns about his ability to remember important events.
  3. There are alarming trends in society, like extreme actions taken by some parents regarding their children's health. This suggests we may be facing significant social issues.

Revealed: The new batch of laws undermining parliament

Striking 13 • 1277 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Policy Law Democracy
  1. The government is quietly making significant changes to immigration, prisons, and drug laws without proper scrutiny or transparency, leading to severe consequences.
  2. The use of statutory instruments by the government allows ministers to create laws on the spot, bypassing normal parliamentary debates and scrutiny processes.
  3. The lack of accountability and assessment in passing new laws through statutory instruments is creating a functional and democratic problem, hindering understanding of impacts and consequences.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political critique Elections Leadership War
  1. Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
  2. Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
  3. The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

The Mayor Who Wants to Save San Francisco from Itself. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 802 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Social Issues Progressivism
  1. San Francisco has a new mayor, Daniel Lurie, who plans to shift away from extreme progressive policies. He wants to focus on practical solutions to improve the city.
  2. In New York, a socialist named Zohran Mamdani has been elected as mayor, raising questions about the factors that led to his win. His victory reflects the hopes and concerns of his supporters.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of recent strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Many are trying to assess whether it was significantly harmed or just delayed.

Echo Chambers

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Divisions Echo Chambers Media influence Urban Issues Republican party Democratic Party
  1. People on LinkedIn are forming echo chambers where they mainly share their political views without real influence. Everyone in these groups often just agrees with each other, making it hard to hear different ideas.
  2. Cities like Chicago and Los Angeles are facing serious issues, but some posts ignore the reality of the violence and problems in those areas. This does not mean these cities are 'back' to being safe or desirable.
  3. There's a deep political division in the U.S. right now, and both parties tend to replace roles within the government to fit their agendas. This cycle has been ongoing for years, no matter which party is in power.

Does the State of Israel Have a Case Against The New York Times?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 542 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Law International Defamation Israel
  1. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering legal action against The New York Times for an article about starvation in Gaza. He believes the article falsely defames Israel.
  2. Some legal experts think Israel could win a defamation case due to the seriousness of the claims in the article.
  3. However, under U.S. law, countries cannot actually sue for libel, so Israel's chances of winning such a case are very slim.

Trump's Ballot Access Case On Trial

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5328 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Supreme Court Election Media
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing Colorado's decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot, drawing attention from the press.
  2. There are delusions and strong opinions surrounding Trump's response and the impact it may have on society, as reflected in media coverage.
  3. The case about Trump's ballot access is a topic of discussion and analysis in current news.

Transcript - America This Week, June 13, 2026: "Trumpship Troopers: New Riot Footage and the No Kings Protests."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 865 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Nuclear Politics Public Policy Political Activism Media Analysis
  1. Protests may happen again, similar to 2020, following a local incident that has sparked public outrage. People are getting ready for protests nationwide.
  2. A recent video by Tulsi Gabbard warns that we are closer to nuclear war than ever. She discusses the massive destruction a modern nuclear bomb could cause.
  3. The current political climate is creating tension between nuclear powers, and there are real fears about escalating conflicts. Many are not fully aware of the dangers that come with nuclear threats.

✨🗽 My Q&A with Francis Fukuyama on AI and liberal democracy. Some sci-fi, too!

Faster, Please! • 182 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy AI Biotechnology Political theory Philosophy
  1. AI technology can greatly impact our lives and the way we think about democracy. We need to consider how it may change human behavior and society.
  2. Biotechnology has potential risks that could affect human nature itself. It's important to reflect on how these advancements might alter what it means to be human.
  3. Discussions about technology should include both excitement about progress and caution about the challenges. Balancing innovation with ethical considerations is key.

Note: Primary Coverage in Loudoun County, Virginia

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5028 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election coverage Political Analysis
  1. Loudoun County, Virginia, witnessed significant political shifts from supporting Biden in 2020 to a narrower win for the Democratic governor in 2021 due to a school controversy.
  2. Media portrayed the unrest in Loudoun as a racist revolt and attributed it to white supremacy, while local observations presented a more complex and nuanced reality.
  3. The author plans to revisit the area for primary coverage regarding the upcoming Super Tuesday election, aiming to offer alternative perspectives to mainstream narratives.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Right from Wrong

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 616 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence Media Public Health Misinformation Foreign affairs
  1. There's growing concern about the acceptance of violence in politics, shown by online reactions to a tragic murder. Many are questioning how society has shifted to celebrate such events.
  2. A respected doctor, Dr. Vinay Prasad, faced a smear campaign that led to his removal from a key health position. This highlights issues of trust and transparency in public health.
  3. In the chaos of war, accurate information is critical yet often hard to find. Voices in Israel are grappling with how to navigate conflicting reports about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Let My People Go

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1613 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics State Governance Political corruption Voting Rights Demographics
  1. Some counties in Oregon and Illinois feel their state governments don't represent them well, leading them to consider joining nearby states that align more with their views.
  2. In Illinois, issues like high taxes and a long history of political corruption make many residents unhappy, prompting discussions of secession among certain counties.
  3. Changing state boundaries is complicated and requires approval from Congress and the states involved, making it a challenging process for counties wanting to realign.

Which Way Will Trump Break on Iran? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence Foreign Policy Elections Legislation Political Commentary
  1. Israel has launched significant military operations to target Iran's nuclear program, successfully eliminating key leaders and scientists. However, they still need U.S. support to fully dismantle Iran's most secure sites.
  2. Trump's approach to Iran is unclear, with mixed signals about how much the U.S. should involve itself. This has caused internal disagreements among his supporters about the right strategy to take.
  3. Political violence is becoming a serious issue, as highlighted by the tragic deaths of political figures in Minnesota. It's essential to address this problem without falling into partisan blame.

Washington War Games: How the U.S. Prepared for an Iran Strike

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Intelligence Administration Conflict
  1. The Trump administration prepared for military action against Iran starting in February. They wanted to be more involved in the conflict.
  2. In a private dinner, U.S. officials and Iranian dissidents discussed how to attack Iran. They talked about strategies that were very similar to Israel's recent military actions.
  3. Key military moves like targeting Iran's leadership and nuclear program have happened, but certain planned actions were still not carried out at the time of the discussion.

Tina Brown: MAGA Is Right About Jeffrey Epstein

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 718 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy theory Justice System Political Debate Media Public Opinion
  1. Many people doubt that Jeffrey Epstein really committed suicide, and there are still lots of unanswered questions about his death.
  2. The journalist Tina Brown has been involved in investigating Epstein's past and believes that the justice system failed his victims.
  3. There's a call for more transparency regarding the Epstein files, as many believe important information has not been fully released yet.

Keeping Up

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1668 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Energy Policy Trade policy Political institutions Science Policy International Aid
  1. There is ongoing discussion about U.S. energy policy, with various viewpoints providing insights into how it could be improved. An analysis from Colorado highlights broader implications that can be relevant to other states too.
  2. The debate surrounding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continues, focusing on whether the president can dissolve or change it through executive order. This raises important questions about the agency's role and effectiveness.
  3. Concerns about protectionism and trade wars are being critically evaluated, showing that both major political parties are engaged in this issue. Recent tariff proposals also raise questions about their economic and fiscal impacts.

Transcript - America This Week, June 20, 2025: "Israel, Iran, and Trump, by Popular Demand"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 824 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political Commentary Media Analysis International relations Geopolitics
  1. Israel recently launched attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, which has escalated tensions and military actions between the two countries. This development is significant for world politics.
  2. Donald Trump expresses strong support for Israel's actions and suggests that the U.S. may consider taking further military steps against Iran. His tweets indicate a serious stance on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
  3. Media discussions are often more focused on domestic issues like political divisions rather than the international conflicts that could have serious consequences, such as the Israel-Iran situation.

Does it matter that the DC pipe bombs were inoperable?

The Reactionary • 54 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Criminal Justice Law enforcement Judiciary National Security Elections Extremism
  1. A qualified explosives expert concluded the pipe devices lacked proper explosive filler and functional fuzing, so they were unlikely to detonate.
  2. Whether the devices were operable doesn’t change the criminal case, because federal law covers transporting explosives and criminal attempts even if the devices fail or aren’t fully functional.
  3. The expert report was submitted to argue for pretrial release, but the defendant’s admissions and purchase/assembly evidence — plus the presumption for detention — make release unlikely unless new exculpatory evidence (like entrapment) emerges.

Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for deceptively editing his 6 January speech. Maybe he should also go after the German public broadcasters who did exactly the same thing

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 195 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Trump Defamation Political speech Censorship
  1. The BBC aired a documentary that misrepresented Trump's speech on January 6, making it seem more inciting than it was. They later apologized and acknowledged their editing mistake.
  2. Trump is considering suing the BBC for defamation and has suggested others, like German broadcasters, should also be held accountable for similar deceptive edits.
  3. The German public broadcaster's documentary also edited Trump's words misleadingly but insists their version aligns with journalistic standards, showing a lack of remorse for the edits.

The Shot That Changed America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 704 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Events Campaigns Public Opinion
  1. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump was a major event in the 2024 election, changing the way people viewed the race.
  2. A young sniper used an AR-15 to shoot at Trump, hitting three people and killing a fireman, which shocked the public.
  3. There's still debate about the true impact of this event and what it means for American society moving forward.

I Am A True Progressive

Society & Standpoint • 1375 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity politics Progressivism Free speech Civil Rights Social justice
  1. Gender roles have evolved over time due to movements like feminism, allowing for more freedom of expression.
  2. Critical race theory reduces individuals to stereotypes based on race, contradicting the idea of individuality.
  3. Today's progressives seem to be moving away from valuing principles like due process and free speech.

A Big Year for Big Lies. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1966 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Immigration Public Policy Political Commentary Government Accountability
  1. There have been many claims about Joe Biden's sharpness and involvement in his son's business dealings that turned out to be false. This has raised questions about honesty in politics.
  2. The immigration debate is filled with tension, especially among Indian Americans, as some face backlash for supporting figures in the MAGA movement while still holding onto their cultural identities.
  3. There's a growing push for educational standards that include teaching young children about gender identity. This has sparked discussions about what topics should be appropriate for kids in school.

The Boys of DOGE

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1692 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Reform Youth Engagement Political Movements
  1. Young engineers are stepping up to change how the U.S. government works. They are being brought in to make things more efficient.
  2. Elon Musk has created a group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help with this process.
  3. These young people are seen as a new force that could shape the future of government operations.

Trump Puts An Appropriately Ugly Face On A Very Ugly Empire

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2398 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidency Political Commentary Media Analysis International relations
  1. Trump is very honest about America's role in the world, saying things that many politicians avoid. This makes him stand out in a way that some people appreciate.
  2. Media narratives can often misrepresent events, focusing on certain perspectives while ignoring the actions of individuals. It's important to look deeper into what's really happening.
  3. People's actions often reveal their true feelings more than their words. Observing how someone behaves can give you a clearer picture of their beliefs.

Inside Trump’s Push to Find Unaccompanied Migrant Children

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Human Rights Government Social Issues Law enforcement
  1. The government is trying to find unaccompanied migrant children who entered the U.S. during Biden's time in office. They're using a hotline with a backlog of 65,000 calls from concerned people looking for these kids.
  2. Many of these children are from Guatemala and were mostly between 15 and 17 years old when they crossed the border. Some of them may have been placed with sponsors who weren't properly checked out.
  3. This effort includes hundreds of volunteers from different law enforcement agencies. They want to ensure the safety and well-being of these children, especially those who might have faced abuse or exploitation.

Election Countdown: The Day After.

Breaking the News • 2347 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Voter Behavior Political Analysis Government
  1. Voters had several years to see Donald Trump's actions and behavior clearly, and they still chose him again. This shows a significant change in how the public views him compared to past elections.
  2. Kamala Harris ran a strong campaign with few mistakes, while Trump had a rocky one. Despite this, the election outcome favored Trump, which highlights a surprising shift in voter priorities.
  3. Two experts who believed Americans would make a rational choice were proven wrong. This suggests that the election results reflect a deeper understanding of current American values and beliefs.

The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Digital Media Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Group chats are powerful tools for change, similar to historical meeting places like coffee houses and salons. They allow people to connect and organize around common interests in real-time.
  2. Group Chat Theory suggests that important movements today will likely be coordinated through digital communication rather than just in-person meetings. This means that social and political changes can happen quicker and on a larger scale.
  3. While group chats can promote positive causes, they're also used for bad purposes. It's important to recognize that the same tools for good can be misused for harmful activities.

Election Exclusive: British Advisors to Kamala Harris Hope to "Kill Musk's Twitter"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2465 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Foreign influence Political Campaigns Disinformation Legislation
  1. A group of British advisors is working with Kamala Harris to undermine Elon Musk's Twitter. They plan to do this by attacking its advertising revenue and promoting censorship.
  2. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, linked to these advisors, has been active in U.S. politics, attempting to influence legislation and public perception about misinformation online.
  3. There are concerns about the legality of the CCDH's actions, especially since they may violate rules for tax-exempt organizations by engaging in substantial lobbying efforts.

Some Thoughts On The Mystery Drones

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2095 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Security Surveillance Public Opinion Media
  1. There have been many sightings of large drones on the east coast of the US, but the government claims it doesn't know who owns them or where they are from.
  2. Some reported sights may just be people misidentifying regular aircraft or stars, but there are still documented cases of unusual flying objects that don't fit these explanations.
  3. The US government either doesn't know what's happening with these drones or is not being honest about it, leading to a lot of speculation and concern among the public.

The 2023 White House Executive Order on AI has Been Rescinded

Marcus on AI • 1778 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Executive orders AI Governance Safety Regulations
  1. The 2023 White House Executive Order on AI has been canceled. This means any rules or plans it included are no longer in effect.
  2. Elon Musk's worries about AI safety may seem less relevant now that the order is gone. People might question if precautions were necessary.
  3. The change could lead to different approaches in handling AI development and regulation in the future. It opens the door for new discussions on AI safety.