The hottest Corruption Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Shamann Walton’s YCD subsidiary got a no-bid contract on shipyard homes — but where’s the money?

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Shamann Walton's YCD subsidiary got a no-bid contract for shipyard homes, raising questions about the money's whereabouts.
  2. Walton quietly started a for-profit entity related to YCD, leading to concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
  3. Connections between Walton, YCD, and developers like Lennar have raised questions about funding sources and community benefits.

Guatemala blocks leftist Indigenous leader from presidential race, in 'electoral coup'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 398 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Guatemala's right-wing government banned Indigenous leader Thelma Cabrera and her leftist Movement for the Liberation of the Peoples (MLP) party from participating in the presidential election, leading to international condemnation as an 'electoral coup.'
  2. The MLP, led by Thelma Cabrera, aims to represent Indigenous communities and fight against poverty, neoliberalism, and for the establishment of a plurinational state, gaining significant popularity in Guatemala.
  3. The ban on leftists like Thelma Cabrera and Jordán Rodas by the Guatemalan electoral authority contrasts with the acceptance of candidates with questionable backgrounds, leading to protests, accusations of authoritarianism, and a battle between the oligarchy and the people.

10 reasons to be optimistic about Greece

The Greek Analyst • 539 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Greece has seen improvements in democracy, with positive attitudes among citizens and a better Rule of Law index score since 2015.
  2. Perceived corruption in Greece has been decreasing, with the country reaching its best rating in the Corruption Perception Index in over a decade.
  3. Greece's human development, gender disparities, economic freedom, innovation levels, unemployment rate, trade openness, and foreign direct investment are all showing positive trends, indicating a promising future.

DOGE: Dangerous Oligarchs Grab Everything

Can We Still Govern? • 433 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. There is growing concern that wealthy individuals are gaining too much power, which threatens democracy and fairness in society. People are worried about how this could affect basic rights and opportunities for everyone.
  2. A group known as DOGE is seen as being run by billionaires who oppose government regulations while benefiting from government contracts. This raises questions about their accountability and the real intentions behind their actions.
  3. DOGE aims to use social media to sway public opinion and cut government programs, relying on a powerful media presence. Many believe this could lead to unpopular decisions that are masked as necessary reforms, potentially undermining important social services.
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Friday Funnies: Gavin for President?

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Allegations of massive fraud in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future program claim weak oversight led to roughly $250 million in losses and have drawn a federal investigation, with suggestions that Somali-linked nonprofits and some political staff may be implicated.
  2. A confrontational, mocking tone runs through the piece, using derogatory language and taunting critics while even joking about inventing insulting labels for people who rely on AI.
  3. Serious political accusations are mixed with humor, memes, holiday shopping plugs, and livestream links, so the content alternates between partisan attack and lighthearted commentary.

Should People Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III?

Surviving Tomorrow • 314 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Not all kings have legitimate power, and it's important to speak out against corrupt authority.
  2. The Windsor family has a long history of profiting from war, genocide, economic exploitation, and tax havens.
  3. Ending the corruption of the House of Windsor would involve abolishing the monarchy, making reparations to the people, and transitioning the family to work without their unearned privileges.

Peru coup: CIA agent turned US ambassador met with defense minister day before president overthrown

Geopolitical Economy Report • 438 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. The US ambassador in Peru, a former CIA agent, met with the defense minister one day before the country's left-wing president was overthrown in a coup.
  2. The coup in Peru led to widespread protests, with the US government supporting the unelected regime that deployed military to crush demonstrations.
  3. The situation in Peru highlights the complex interactions between international politics, government institutions, and democratic processes.

Stop Weapons of Mass Deception

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
💰 Finance Corruption
  1. Financial secrecy allows wealthy individuals and corporations to hide their money, making the rich richer and increasing inequality. This harms democracy and pushes resources away from public services.
  2. Countries and financial institutions often enable tax evasion and money laundering by providing loopholes and anonymity to the wealthy, which impacts economies everywhere.
  3. To fix these issues, reforms are needed to increase transparency, ban anonymous financial vehicles, and hold enablers accountable, especially in the growing realm of cryptocurrencies.

Nigeria and Shell

Life in the 21st Century • 157 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Shell is exiting Nigeria after more than 60 years due to difficulties operating in a region hit by corruption and violence.
  2. Shell's actions in Nigeria funded brutal military rule and had a terrible environmental record in the Delta.
  3. Nigerian oil exports have impacted the US, and oil has been a curse for Nigeria.

Indiana Johannes and Raiders of the Lost ANC, PART I

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. South African officials raided a U.S.-linked refugee processing center on a symbolic Afrikaner holiday, appearing to target and intimidate Afrikaner applicants and disrupt a U.S. resettlement program, which deepened tensions with the United States.
  2. The U.S. administration set clear preconditions for normalizing relations—like treating farm attacks as a priority, condemning violent anti-white rhetoric, protecting property rights, and exempting U.S. entities from race-based rules—and effectively sidelined South Africa at the G20, signaling a major diplomatic rift.
  3. South Africa is portrayed as facing severe domestic crises—widespread crime and syndicates, corruption, shrinking economic standing, and contested land expropriations—that are undermining institutions and driving social and political instability.

DOGE due diligence at treasury

bad cattitude • 314 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Since 1946, U.S. presidents and their advisors haven't had access to the government's payment system. This lack of transparency has been a long-standing issue.
  2. Many former treasury secretaries are upset about attempts to make the payment system more visible. They believe this openness threatens the way things have always been done.
  3. There's a push for greater auditing and transparency in government spending. People want to hold officials accountable and make sure tax dollars are spent properly.

We're getting screwed

Situation Normal • 102 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. We live in a world where surveillance is everywhere, and our personal information is often sold to others. It's concerning that we willingly carry devices that track us.
  2. Power dynamics are skewed; the powerful often escape accountability while ordinary people have to follow the rules. This creates a sense of injustice in society.
  3. Even if things look bleak, there's hope. We can still take action and make changes. It's important to keep pushing back against the issues we face, just like tending to persistent weeds.

November 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. The administration is shaping policy to benefit a network of wealthy allies and businesses, blending public power with private profit. Deals span foreign agreements, tech, and crypto that appear to favor connected insiders.
  2. Legal protections, commutations, and withheld investigations are shielding wealthy friends from accountability and undermining the rule of law. Ordinary victims of fraud and abuse are left without justice while elites escape consequences.
  3. Widespread anger at this elite favoritism — dubbed the 'Epstein class' — is driving political realignment and voter backlash over affordability and concentrated power. That anger is pushing some voters toward Democrats and prompting populist postures from some Republicans.

Harlan Kelly Heads to Court

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 235 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Harlan Kelly, former manager of SFPUC, is facing corruption charges alongside his girlfriend and chief strategy officer, Juliet Ellis.
  2. Corruption scandals involving officials like Mohammed Nuru have connections to City Hall and Mayor London Breed, revealing a history of mismanagement and conflicts of interest.
  3. Ongoing investigations into City Family corruption, including the Community Benefits Program, highlight concerns about lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest in San Francisco government.

{Part 1} Proof of Devilry: The Crimes of Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein

Proof • 87 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein are linked to a serious child trafficking network. This situation is significant and could impact history.
  2. The book discusses various events and actions involving these figures, including their personal relationships and alleged illegal activities.
  3. Evidence continues to mount regarding Trump's connections to Epstein, raising questions about their past friendship and Trump's actions.

unpardonable pardons

bad cattitude • 291 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. The pardoning of individuals related to January 6 raises serious concerns about justice and accountability. It seems to give a free pass to those who may have acted unlawfully while in power.
  2. A dangerous precedent is set when political figures can use pardons to avoid consequences for their actions. This undermines trust in the system and holds the potential for abuse of power.
  3. Despite the pardons, there's still a chance to pursue the truth by calling on those involved to testify. They could face new charges for lying, which might encourage honesty and accountability moving forward.

The Don's Corruption Inc.

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 290 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Trump's leadership is seen as lacking core values, which makes his administration feel unstable.
  2. There are concerns about potential changes to the presidency, including the idea of extending Trump's time in office.
  3. Criticism of Trump is expected to continue for many years, as many feel strongly about his actions and their impact.

The Chiang Kai-Shekification of Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Taipology • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Zelenskyy's popularity is declining as more people believe Ukraine is losing the war. His image as a great leader is being questioned.
  2. The media is starting to expose corruption within Zelenskyy's government, similar to what happened with Chiang Kai-shek's leadership in the past.
  3. There seems to be a shift from supporting Zelenskyy to revealing his shortcomings, as the perception of him as a strong leader is changing.

Fact Checking Brennan and Clapper

The Reactionary • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Brennan and Clapper claimed they didn't use the Steele Dossier in their intelligence report, but evidence shows it was included. This raises questions about their honesty in defending their actions.
  2. They argued that their intelligence assessment was validated by thorough reviews, but recent findings contradict this claim, showing flaws in their analysis and conclusions.
  3. Brennan and Clapper denied that the Obama Administration silenced intelligence officials, but reports indicate some were pressured to support conclusions they didn't agree with, leading to concerns about integrity in the intelligence community.

Plandemic playbook (3) $5TRILLION spent on Covid by the US government; $400billion was misused and half of that went to organized foreign criminals in the biggest transfer of wealth in history

DrV’s Newsletter, Notes, Essays, Articles, Videos, and Book Chapters • 196 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📰 News Corruption
  1. $5 trillion spent by the US government on Covid.
  2. $400 billion was misused, half to organized foreign crime syndicates.
  3. This is the biggest transfer of wealth in history due to medical fraud.

Behavioural Geopolitics: The mechanics of autocratic nations

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Autocratic leaders must buy and maintain loyalty from a small inner circle, so they divert state money and power to allies and corruption spreads down the hierarchy.
  2. That diversion impoverishes ordinary people and weakens public services, while natural-resource revenues let autocrats keep the payouts going and prolong their rule.
  3. When domestic funds run short, autocracies often look outward for money or resources and may use aggression or war to get them, so democratic backsliding raises the risk of interstate conflict.

H-1B is about corruption and fraud, not ideology

The Dossier • 272 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. The H-1B visa program has a lot of corruption and fraud, rather than just being about helping skilled workers. It often benefits middleman agencies that control the hiring process.
  2. Most H-1B visa holders come from only a few countries, especially India and China, which shows a lack of diversity in skilled labor coming to the U.S.
  3. Many of the workers brought in through the H-1B program may not have the right skills or cultural fit for American workplaces, causing problems for both employers and American job seekers.

above the law

bad cattitude • 287 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Big government can lead to corruption and a lack of morality. When government grows, it often becomes less accountable and more corrupt.
  2. A recent pardon by the president for his son raises concerns about accountability. It seems to protect powerful figures from facing the consequences of their actions.
  3. To create a better government, people need to reclaim power from the current system. A smaller, more accountable government could lead to a more moral society.

The DisInformation Chronicle Welcomes You to 2025

The DisInformation Chronicle • 245 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. The publication has over 31,000 readers and aims to expose corruption and misinformation in the media and government. It's always important to stay informed about what's really happening around us.
  2. Recent stories cover topics like political manipulation, censorship, and the effectiveness of masks, suggesting there are many hidden truths in the current narrative.
  3. The community is encouraged to support the publication through paid subscriptions, as this helps it to continue growing and uncovering more important stories.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM 1998: Robber Barons

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Wealth in the economy often concentrates in the hands of a few people, often called billionaires. Their success can depend on timing, connections, and sometimes political favors.
  2. Historically, periods of high wealth concentration have not always led to faster economic growth. Curbs on wealth accumulation can actually coexist with healthy economic performance.
  3. The past presence of 'robber barons' and their role in building infrastructure shows that their success often involved corruption and manipulation, but they also contributed significantly to the nation's development.

For just $450, you and Jeff Sessions can honor one of the worst sheriffs in the country

The Watch • 874 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. For $450, you can honor a controversial sheriff at an event with Jeff Sessions.
  2. The sheriff, Chad Bianco, has faced criticism for various actions, including issues with law enforcement practices.
  3. The event highlights a trend of celebrating law enforcement officials for their harsh tactics, even when faced with serious controversies.

The Justice of Bukele?

Bet On It • 674 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Nayib Bukele's policies in El Salvador have significantly reduced the murder rate, but come at a cost of widespread jailing and lack of fair trials.
  2. The debate on Bukele's justice system involves utilitarian calculations which weigh saving lives against infringing on rights, highlighting moral pluralism.
  3. The emphasis on the importance of trials in a justice system is viewed primarily from an epistemic standpoint, weighing the trade-offs of accuracy and potential errors.

Trump Should Just Charge Jerome Powell with the Minnesota Shooting

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. The administration is using the justice system as a political weapon. It brings baseless or exaggerated charges against opponents while protecting allies.
  2. People are exhausted by a nonstop stream of daily outrages and feel overwhelmed tracking every new scandal. Many would prefer a single clear example that shows the overall pattern instead of constant small shocks.
  3. Many investigations and complaints are petty or absurd, turning trivial matters into criminal scandals while the leader pursues grandiose self-promotion. Political polarization means these tactics mostly reinforce existing beliefs rather than persuading anyone.

Corruption exposed: US meddled in Ecuador's election, using Julian Assange as bargaining chip

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. The US interfered in Ecuador's 2017 presidential election by orchestrating a disinformation campaign against the leftist Correístas and supporting a conservative banker in exchange for Julian Assange.
  2. Ecuador's ex energy minister was coerced by US federal agents into making false corruption accusations against Correa and Glas, and even against a US citizen, leading to unjust imprisonment.
  3. The scandal involving US interference in Ecuador's election goes beyond politics, involving corrupt practices with Miami-based oligarchs like the Isaías Brothers who fled Ecuador with stolen funds.

This Hideous Moment!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. We are on a dangerous new threshold where fast-moving technologies — AI, biotech, weaponized drones, and mass surveillance — combined with extreme corruption could push society toward a technocratic, totalitarian spiral. Most people lack the language or awareness to grasp how quickly this is happening.
  2. Some observers feel a strange mix of anxiety and exhilaration, taking on a prophetic or witness role and using intense study and tools like AI to synthesize information, even while their warnings are often ignored. They maintain a sense of mission and detachment amid the upheaval.
  3. The future is highly uncertain: it could lead to catastrophe (war, ecological collapse, engineered annihilation) or to a post-technological shift toward small, regenerative, networked communities; this unpredictability highlights the need for greater public awareness and resilient alternatives.

AI regulation stans should fix corporatism first

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Most people don't trust elected officials and believe politicians favor elites over ordinary voters, so they're skeptical the government can fairly regulate AI.
  2. Regulations often end up helping big companies because they can absorb compliance costs, so AI rules risk entrenching incumbents, killing innovation, and raising prices.
  3. Many proposed AI laws focus on problems that are minor or hard to solve and ignore bigger issues like rising energy costs, so fixing corporatism and rebuilding trust should come before broad AI regulation.

Memory-Holing the Apocalypse

The Upheaval • 812 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. A whistleblower revealed bribery and manipulation by top officials to change conclusions on the origins of Covid-19
  2. Fauci and his colleagues engaged in a widespread effort to cover up the true origin of the virus
  3. Despite evidence piling up for a lab-leak scenario, accountability for the actions of those involved, including Fauci, seems unlikely

Wakanda isn't an ideal utopia for Africa

The Novelleist • 575 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. Wakanda in Black Panther is a positive portrayal of African prosperity with advanced technology, boosting pride and dignity.
  2. The economic model of Wakanda, relying on a magical substance for wealth, ignores the realities of gradual economic development involving valuable goods and services.
  3. The obsession with natural resources as a source of wealth can hinder economic growth due to corruption, lack of policy improvements, and misinformation about their true benefits.

FDA approves Pfizer drugs with inadequate safety and efficacy data, and then regulators work for Pfizer

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 180 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Corruption
  1. FDA approvals for Pfizer drugs may not have enough safety and effectiveness data. This raises concerns about the reliability of the drugs available to the public.
  2. There is a pattern of FDA regulators moving to jobs at pharmaceutical companies after approving their products. This can create a conflict of interest and lead to questions about transparency.
  3. The system seems designed to favor big pharmaceutical companies rather than prioritize patient safety and well-being. This indicates a troubling relationship between regulators and the companies they oversee.

YPF: the laundromat of the century

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 157 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Corruption
  1. YPF, the national oil company of Argentina, was involved in a massive financial fraud through expropriation and private dealings.
  2. A small group of politicians and businessmen profited billions from YPF without investing their own money.
  3. Despite clear irregularities and financial loopholes, those involved in the scandal are unlikely to face prosecution or jail time for receiving billions at the taxpayer's expense.

"O Lord make my enemies ridiculous"

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 157 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption
  1. Political dynamics in local politics can be analyzed in terms of factions and movements rather than individual candidates.
  2. Transparency and accountability are crucial in local government, especially regarding police misconduct.
  3. Remaining vigilant and condemning acts of intimidation in politics is essential for maintaining a fair and just democratic process.