The hottest U.S. Politics Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Abstainer in Chief Gets Friendly With Marijuana

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 97 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Executive orders Federal Law Criminal Justice Healthcare policy Economic Policy Regulatory reform
  1. The president, who doesn’t drink or smoke, signed an executive order to reschedule marijuana and speed up federal review.
  2. Rescheduling could loosen regulations, reduce tax burdens for cannabis companies, and open the door to federal recognition of medical marijuana.
  3. The move breaks with traditional Republican drug-policy stances and has unsettled some conservative allies, even as the cannabis industry has long leaned toward Democrats and progressives.

Let’s talk politics

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Corruption International relations Political Influence Voting Rights
  1. Tanzanians often feel disconnected from their politics, seeing their president as somewhat irrelevant, while they look to foreign influences for real change.
  2. People in developing countries, like Tanzania, see the U.S. president as more impactful in their lives than their own leaders, which shows the global influence America holds.
  3. Voter participation is crucial in the U.S. elections, as every vote counts towards the future and can help push for voting reform, making each citizen's voice significant.

EXCLUSIVO: Novos documentos mostram que o STF utilizou ilegalmente publicações nas redes sociais para manter presos manifestantes do 8 de Janeiro

Michael Shellenberger • 477 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Elections Civil Rights Political Power Government Accountability
  1. The Supreme Court of Brazil misused social media posts to imprison participants from the January 8 protests. Many of these individuals were not violent and were detained simply for their opinions.
  2. The way people were judged and imprisoned was not based on legal standards, but rather on their political views. This highlights a concerning trend where the judicial system is being used for political purposes.
  3. This situation raises serious questions about the state of democracy in Brazil, as the legal framework is being manipulated to suppress free speech and target political opposition.
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I Met the Alleged CEO Assassin

The Prism • 1757 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Criminal Justice Healthcare Cultural Commentary
  1. The individual named Luigi Mangione, once seen as a nice and thoughtful person, is now accused of murder. This raises questions about how people can show kindness yet still commit terrible acts.
  2. Luigi felt strongly about people losing their sense of agency and believed many were living on autopilot. He was eager to discuss ways to regain control over his life.
  3. There are dangers in attributing blame for societal issues to individuals. The healthcare system is complex, and scapegoating someone doesn't solve the bigger problems at play.

Biden’s Transgender Prison Policy Goes to Trial

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1590 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Gender Rights Policy Judiciary
  1. Rhonda Fleming, a prisoner, argues that sharing facilities with transgender women violates her privacy rights. She has been in prison for Medicare fraud and feels unsafe with male inmates.
  2. She has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons focusing on this issue. This case is the first of its kind to go to trial, making it significant.
  3. Fleming's lawsuit highlights ongoing debates about transgender policies in prisons and their impact on inmates' rights and safety. The trial could set important precedents for similar cases in the future.

Is this the secret plan to build HS2 to Manchester?

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Transportation Infrastructure Government Economics Public Policy
  1. HS2 has been delayed, pushing its opening date to likely between 2036 and 2039. Problems with timelines and costs have caused this setback.
  2. Former Crossrail CEO Mark Wild is now in charge of HS2 and is working on resetting the project to get it back on track.
  3. There may be some hope for the HS2 leg to Manchester, which was cancelled, as new developments suggest it could be revived.

The January 6 Pardons and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Donald Trump has pardoned many people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those who assaulted police. This move has raised questions about the fairness of justice for violent actions.
  2. Some Republican leaders believe that only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, indicating a divide in opinions about accountability for violence.
  3. The mass pardoning contrasts with previous statements from officials who suggested a more selective approach to granting pardons for the events of that day.

Code Pink disrupts former Google CEO's interview at his DC AI expo

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 773 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Technology Military Human Rights
  1. Code Pink, a protest group, interrupted an interview with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt to speak out against technology being used in warfare. They chanted phrases like 'No Tech for Genocide' to draw attention to the issue.
  2. The protests were fueled by ongoing violence in Gaza, with activists condemning companies like Google for their role in supporting military actions. They highlighted the toll of the conflict, citing thousands of civilian casualties.
  3. This was one of multiple protests by Code Pink during an AI expo, where they aimed to raise awareness about the impact of military contracts on innocent lives. Their actions have sparked conversations about ethics in technology and military partnerships.

Was Jeffrey Epstein a "convicted pedophile"?

Michael Tracey • 108 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Law Criminal Justice Partisanship Investigations Civil Liberties
  1. Epstein’s only criminal conviction in 2008 was for state prostitution charges, including procuring one person under 18, and plea records show that the underage instance involved a single victim and consensual intercourse on the eve of her 18th birthday.
  2. Media and politicians have repeatedly labeled Epstein a “pedophile” and portrayed a broader pedophilia crisis, but that label is often used without closely examining the underlying legal facts.
  3. Because public discussion frequently ignores the narrow legal record and due process, many people and institutions have been broadly stigmatized for mere association with Epstein, fueling moral panic and partisan attacks.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 31, 2025: "The Apostate Hearings: RFK, Warren, and Democrat-on-Democrat Crime"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1466 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Legislation
  1. The Senate hearings can often feel like a show where senators scream at nominees rather than having a real conversation. This makes the process seem unfair and focused more on drama than genuine discussion.
  2. Senators use these dramatic moments to create clips for fundraising, which often shifts the focus away from important issues to personal attacks and grandstanding.
  3. The experience of being at these hearings gives a different perspective; it feels more raw and intense than what viewers see on TV, highlighting the real emotions and lack of sincerity among some politicians.

The Origins of Elite Human Capital Institutions and Communities

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1779 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Institutions Governance Elites Authoritarianism Cultural norms
  1. Elite Human Capital institutions emerge when smart and idealistic people come together, seeking truth and shared values over just making money. These communities form naturally as individuals find others like themselves.
  2. Wealth-maximizers and meaning-maximizers represent two paths that people can take in these communities. While some focus on financial success, others prioritize making meaningful contributions to society.
  3. Authoritarian regimes often suppress elite human capital because educated people pose a threat to their power. When these institutions are stifled, it can hinder a country's overall progress and development.

February 5, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections National Security Congress Executive Branch Intelligence Immigration Oversight Foreign Policy
  1. Democrats are pushing concrete limits on DHS and federal agents — things like judicial warrants for home entries, visible IDs and body cameras, bans on racial profiling, and stronger oversight — while many Republicans are resisting those changes.
  2. There are worrying signs the administration is using intelligence powers and secrecy to probe or influence elections and to protect its allies, shown by seizures of voting materials, a withheld whistleblower complaint, and heavy, selective redactions.
  3. Institutions are starting to push back — courts have allowed high-profile depositions and lawmakers are threatening to compel testimony — even as the last U.S.-Russia arms treaty has expired, removing caps on nuclear weapons and raising global risk.

(Some Of) Your July 2025 Questions, Answered

Singal-Minded • 486 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Health Policy Education & Policy Public Health Social Issues
  1. There are ongoing discussions about whether Congress should question health experts on youth gender medicine. Some believe these experts owe the public clear explanations, especially since government funding is involved.
  2. Celebrating Pride in schools is debated due to differing parental comfort levels with LGBTQ+ materials for young children. Finding the right balance between inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs is challenging.
  3. Research on brain differences between transgender and cisgender individuals is complex. Understanding these differences doesn't necessarily answer how society should treat trans people, as each individual's experience can vary greatly.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Heroes, Radicals, and Gen-Z’s Hottest Show

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. There was a major flooding disaster in Texas that claimed over 120 lives. Many believed it was avoidable because the area had a history of such floods and lacked proper warning systems.
  2. The consulting industry might be declining due to government cost-cutting and advancements in AI. This change could reshape how businesses operate and affect many jobs.
  3. Elon Musk is starting a new political party, but not many people are taking it seriously. Analysts think there are big challenges ahead for his political ambitions.

The Wall Street Democrat Who Became MAGA’s Favorite Money Man

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 477 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Change Elections Political Finance Party Dynamics
  1. Omeed Malik shifted from being a lifelong Democrat to a supporter of MAGA, driven by his belief that the Democratic Party abandoned core American values. He felt he had to change sides because of what he perceived as a betrayal by the party.
  2. Malik is now closely associated with prominent MAGA figures like Donald Trump Jr., and he is involved in significant business ventures, such as the opening of the firearms retailer GrabAGun on the stock exchange.
  3. His transformation highlights the intersection of politics, money, and power, showing how individuals can pivot dramatically in their beliefs and alliances based on changing political landscapes.

Public records suggest name and luxury residence of CIA's Manila chief of station

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 549 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Security Government Public Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Public records show that Peter Enzminger is the CIA's chief of station in Manila, staying at a luxury hotel called Raffles Makati. This suggests a high-profile role in U.S. intelligence.
  2. Enzminger previously served as Amman's CIA chief, using a cover as a Regional Affairs Officer. This indicates a history in key positions within the agency.
  3. The CIA has a practice of keeping officers’ identities under wraps while using diplomatic covers, highlighting the ongoing need for secrecy in intelligence work.

A Unified Theory of Trump’s Hyperactive Start

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1428 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Political culture Executive orders Media influence
  1. Trump is making a lot of changes really quickly, which is surprising many people. It’s hard for the news to keep up with all his new policies and announcements.
  2. There’s a focus on cultural policy in Trump’s approach, suggesting he believes cultural issues are key to America's problems. Many people might agree there are concerns about the overall state of American culture.
  3. Trump's choice of countries to threaten tariffs, like Canada and Mexico, raises questions about his priorities and strategy. It’s interesting to think about how these decisions reflect his views on trade and relationships.

It's on, baby!

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Constitutional Law Supreme Court Elections First Amendment
  1. The Constitution does not require states to include currently ineligible candidates on the ballot, even if they may become eligible in the future.
  2. Allowing ineligible candidates on the ballot can lead to confusion for voters and cause controversy if an ineligible candidate wins the election.
  3. Interpreting the Constitution requires sticking to the text rather than overly creative lawyering to avoid confusion and promote understanding among citizens.

They So Want To Be Heroes

Points And Figures • 1359 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government spending Immigration Policy Party Politics Civic engagement
  1. To be a true hero, you need to fight for a good cause based on strong principles. It's not enough just to act; your actions need to be rooted in what is right.
  2. Many people today think they are being heroic but are actually harming society. For example, defending illegal immigration or certain changes in sports can lead to bigger problems.
  3. Wasteful government spending is not an act of heroism. Many politicians defend this spending while enriching themselves instead of helping the citizens.

How Catturd Made Me a Better Person

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2267 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Social influence Public Perception Cultural critique
  1. People can learn from both positive and negative role models. It's important to focus on the ideas of others rather than their personal traits.
  2. Our behavior can be shaped by how others behave, so it's good to admire the right people and reject the wrong ones.
  3. Having a strong value system helps us choose who to look up to and who to avoid in our lives.

The Ukrainian People Deserve Better

Phillips’s Newsletter • 188 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Leadership International relations Policy Government
  1. Corruption is a serious issue in Ukraine, with high-profile scandals shaking the country. A close associate of President Zelensky was involved in a money laundering scheme, which highlights the ongoing problem.
  2. This corruption could have dire consequences for Ukrainians, especially as they face challenges with their energy systems during the war. The funds meant to help keep the lights on were allegedly misused.
  3. President Zelensky must take strong actions to address corruption to meet the expectations of the Ukrainian people and the European Union. There is pressure for Ukraine to improve and be better than other countries facing similar issues.

It’s Not Just Kay Granger. All of Congress Is an Old Age Home.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Government Elections Legislation Public Policy
  1. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old congresswoman, is living in an assisted care facility while still serving in Congress. This raises questions about the ability of elderly politicians to effectively represent their constituents.
  2. Many older members in Congress may not be fully engaged or capable of performing their duties. This situation suggests a broader issue with age and effectiveness within government.
  3. There are calls for reevaluation of compensation for lawmakers who are not actively participating in their work as public representatives. This brings up the debate about taxpayer money and how it's spent on elected officials.

Israel's Ayatollahs

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International relations Conflict Government Diplomacy
  1. A high-ranking Israeli minister suggested using a nuclear bomb against Gaza, which shocked many. This led to calls for the Prime Minister to take stronger action against such extremist views.
  2. There is a growing concern within Israel that the current government, heavily influenced by religious extremists, is eroding democratic values and the rule of law.
  3. Many Israelis, including minorities, are feeling trapped and divided due to the current political situation. While they may stay united during the war, the future after the conflict is uncertain and could lead to further chaos.

Stock Investing for Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 134 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Social Policy Public Policy Government programs Philanthropy Income Inequality
  1. Michael and Susan Dell are donating $250 savings accounts for up to 25 million children to create starter savings for kids.
  2. They limit eligibility to zip codes with median incomes under $150,000 to avoid the wealthiest areas, but that threshold still covers most of the country and is well above the national median income.
  3. The government savings program the donation supplements is structured so upper‑middle and middle‑class families benefit far more than working‑class or poor families, making the policy design the bigger equity problem.

Biden Ramps Up Nuclear Brinkmanship On His Way Out The Door

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1965 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nuclear policy Foreign Relations Military Strategy Defense Policy
  1. The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles supplied by the US against Russian military targets. This decision raises concerns about a possible escalation in the conflict.
  2. Some officials believe this move may not change the overall situation in the war, but it risks provoking a strong response from Russia. There's a fear of pushing the conflict closer to direct confrontation.
  3. This policy change comes as political shifts occur, with a new administration potentially less supportive of Ukraine on the horizon. The risks taken in this situation highlight the serious dangers present in current international relations.

February 3, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Judiciary Elections Executive Branch Congress Law enforcement Public Opinion
  1. A federal judge blocked the termination of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status, finding the DHS decision ignored legal procedures and was likely motivated by anti-immigrant ideology.
  2. Haitian TPS holders are deeply integrated and economically productive, with very high workforce participation and billions contributed in taxes and economic value, so ending TPS would harm families, communities, and employers.
  3. The administration is politicizing federal power — from DOJ staffing and FBI actions to calls to nationalize elections — raising serious concerns about election interference and democratic norms while Democrats gain ground in public opinion.

January 24, 2026

Letters from an American • 41 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Immigration Civil Rights Police violence Federal Government Congress Elections
  1. Federal agents in Minneapolis tackled and fatally shot Alex Pretti, and verified video contradicts DHS’s claim that he had a gun while showing heavy force and apparent failure to preserve the scene.
  2. State officials and the public pushed back hard: Minnesota’s attorney general sued to stop destruction of evidence, a judge granted a restraining order, and local police collected videos after federal teams blocked them.
  3. The incident sparked broad political fallout with calls to defund or prosecute ICE, administration officials defending the agents with inflammatory rhetoric, and likely consequences for DHS funding and the administration’s public support.

Marianne's back on the campaign trail. Here's how "love will win"

Krystal Kyle & Friends • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidential Candidate Policy Progressive Social Welfare
  1. Marianne Williamson is running for president in 2024.
  2. Her campaign will focus on universal healthcare, free child care, paid family leave, and other key progressive policies.
  3. She plans to discuss how her ideas have evolved since the 2020 campaign, considering recent events like the pandemic and protests.

Who Will Buy TikTok From China? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Judiciary Tech Policy Media influence Criminal Justice
  1. There is a legal case challenging Biden's transgender prison policy. A woman is arguing that sharing spaces with transgender inmates makes her feel unsafe.
  2. With a potential ban on TikTok approaching, there are talks about who might buy the platform, including possible buyers like Trump or Elon Musk.
  3. In Los Angeles, wildfires have caused many people to flee their homes, and volunteers are working hard to provide support and shelter for those affected.

Jimmy Carter, President and Citizen.

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Leadership Elections Foreign Policy Public Opinion
  1. Jimmy Carter was very skilled at connecting with people from all walks of life. His ability to communicate and listen helped him build strong relationships during his presidency.
  2. Carter's foreign policy achievements are often seen in a better light than they originally appeared. He made significant contributions, even if they weren't always recognized at the time.
  3. The importance of storytelling in politics is crucial. Like Jimmy Carter, sharing our experiences and truths helps unite people and address common concerns for a better future.

What if you love Silver Bulletin... but hate sports?

Silver Bulletin • 164 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Politicians Political News
  1. You can now choose to only get emails about politics or sports from Silver Bulletin by adjusting your settings. This way, you won't get emails that aren't interesting to you.
  2. There are three main sections in Silver Bulletin: politics, sports, and models/forecasts. You can turn off emails for the sections you don't want.
  3. The team is working on more content and planning to introduce new models soon. They hope to keep improving and offer you information that you enjoy.

Best of Can We Still Govern 2025: Readers Picks

Can We Still Govern? • 78 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Elections Public Administration Executive Power Civil Society Political polarization
  1. American democracy is under serious threat as a rapid pattern of authoritarian moves targets the bureaucracy, military, courts, civil society, higher education, and election administration, with elections likely the next major focus.
  2. Political actors are weaponizing administrative rules and politicizing scientific agencies, and large numbers of ordinary people are actively pushing back against those changes.
  3. Independent platforms and direct communication matter because they let researchers and citizens share warnings, mobilize responses, and reach people outside traditional media.