The hottest Government Substack posts right now

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

From ‘Defund the Police’ to ‘Defund Air Traffic Control.’

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Safety Regulation Aviation
  1. The recent crash-landing of a commuter jet in Toronto didn't directly result from any recent layoffs, but future safety may be at risk due to those layoffs.
  2. Air traffic controllers and other safety professionals provide crucial oversight for safe flying. Reducing their numbers can lead to overlooked issues and potential disasters.
  3. Understanding the importance of air safety is vital. Cuts to safety teams, like those happening now, can endanger everyone who flies.

The United States was founded on speaking up against tyranny

Marcus on AI • 8932 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Tyranny Civil Rights Government Freedom
  1. The U.S. was built on the idea of standing up against oppression. It's important to remember that speaking out is crucial for democracy.
  2. Recent actions by leaders are seen as frightening and could lead to more significant issues if people don't voice their concerns.
  3. Privacy is at risk, with personal information being shared without proper checks. We need to protect our rights and encourage open discussions.

Important Announcements

The Upheaval • 1952 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy International relations Political theory Public Administration
  1. A book titled 'Control: The Global Rise and Coming Fall of Managerial Tyranny' is coming soon. It will be an expanded version of previous work on managerialism.
  2. The Substack will be paused indefinitely while the author takes a senior policy role at the State Department. Subscription payments are frozen, but the content will remain accessible.
  3. The author feels it's important to take action in today's world rather than just discuss issues. They hope to return to writing in the future.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1460 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government International relations
  1. Trump's foreign policy has changed the way America interacts with the world. Now, the U.S. is taking a different approach, acting more like a country that wants to change international rules.
  2. Many Ukrainians feel let down by Trump after believing he could help them find peace. They've removed American flags from their gear because they no longer see the U.S. as a symbol of freedom.
  3. Apple is making a big investment in the U.S., which is linked to Trump's tariff policies. This shows how companies are adapting their strategies based on the current political climate.

No Kings

Thinking about... • 754 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Civil Rights History Government
  1. We want freedom from kings and powerful leaders because they often put their needs above ours. Freedom means a government that truly works for the people.
  2. History shows that the fight for freedom is a long journey, filled with struggles against oppression. It teaches us that we need allies and to listen to each other.
  3. Protests are just the start of the work for freedom. They remind us that we can stand up and take action together for change.
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The Internet Needs to Be Smashed and Rebuilt

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 10189 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Internet Media Government Information Empowerment
  1. The Internet has become a barrier to understanding and access to information. It used to help people, but now it's harder to find reliable news.
  2. Many people question the trustworthiness of news sources, indicating a general distrust in media. This makes it tough to locate credible information.
  3. There's a call for a major overhaul of the Internet to make it a better tool for knowledge and empowerment again. The idea is to rebuild it from the ground up.

THE SHOW NOTES: Stenographers Revolt, Kamala's Employment Data Problem, & What Is Happening at CNN?

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Media Campaigns Public Policy
  1. Job growth in the U.S. has slowed down a lot, with only 12,000 new jobs added in October. This is a big drop from what experts expected, which could hurt the Harris campaign's message about the economy.
  2. The White House changed a transcript to remove comments made by President Biden that insulted Trump supporters. This has caused a disagreement with the federal stenographers' office over transcript accuracy.
  3. CNN faced backlash for allowing a guest to mock JD Vance's family struggles during a discussion. This was seen as disrespectful, given the serious background of addiction in his family.

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.

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

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

VINDICATED! (sadly). The govt can no longer hide the decline in jobs

COVID Reason • 812 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Government Labor Market Public Policy
  1. Job losses in the private sector are alarming, with 28,000 jobs lost, especially in manufacturing and retail. This shows a real problem in the economy.
  2. Government jobs increased by 40,000, which may cover up serious issues in other job sectors. This is a sign the economy isn't as strong as it looks.
  3. The labor force is shrinking, with many not participating anymore and unemployment rising. This trend is not sustainable and needs urgent attention.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections International relations Political theory
  1. Trump's foreign policy is focused on protecting American interests first, breaking from past approaches. This means less commitment to global issues that don't directly benefit the U.S.
  2. The idea of a global order that America used to support has started to be seen as a problem by some leaders. There's a belief that following this order has led to issues like a border crisis and rising competition from China.
  3. Trump's administration has made bold moves, such as rethinking trade agreements and engaging directly with countries like Russia. This signals a big shift in how the U.S. interacts on the world stage.

Trump, the state and the revolution

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 2098 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Revolution Inequality Government
  1. Trump has changed a lot since his first term. He feels more experienced and might want to leave a lasting impact.
  2. The current changes in the government are seen as a revolutionary effort, similar to past movements that aimed to restructure the state.
  3. There’s a struggle for control within the government, as many people in power have different beliefs from Trump and his supporters.

How Trump will actually turn America into the 'garbage can of the world'

The Signorile Report • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Policy Government Media
  1. If Trump wins, he may give Elon Musk the power to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, which could hurt many Americans by affecting key programs like Social Security and Medicare.
  2. Companies are getting ready to raise prices due to Trump's planned tariffs on foreign goods, which could add to inflation just as it starts to ease.
  3. Overall, Trump's policies might undo the strong economy built during Biden's presidency, potentially turning the U.S. into a less favorable place for everyday people.

Two steps backward

Comment is Freed • 126 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Political Analysis Media
  1. Trump's meetings often feel like a drama, with him at the center trying to create the best storyline. If something isn’t working, he may just drop it and move on to another idea.
  2. Dealing with real-world politics is tricky and can take a long time, unlike in a soap opera where things happen quickly. Negotiations involve many people who want their own say.
  3. The U.S. administration's relationship with Ukraine can shift quickly, and the past week's discussions show a mix of friendly and tense moments.

TGIF: War Games

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4020 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Government War Political Commentary
  1. Trump suggests that the U.S. should step back from supporting Ukraine and that Europe should take more responsibility for its own defense. He criticizes the spending involved and questions the effectiveness of current strategies.
  2. Sanna Marin, Finland's former prime minister, agrees that it's reasonable for Americans to ask why they should pay more for Europe's security. She believes Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the long-term implications of the Ukraine conflict and the need for a new approach, as the war has dragged on with significant human costs and little indication of a quick resolution.

What I think DOGE is really up to

Noahpinion • 26588 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Ideology Federalism
  1. DOGE is a massive operation that seems focused on reshaping the federal government rather than just cutting costs. People are worried about what it’s doing, but its main aim may be to change the mindset of government workers.
  2. The push to change the federal workforce's ideology may be influenced by the belief that it leans too far left. This could lead to a shift in how government programs function and who runs them.
  3. Understanding DOGE's real purpose is important because it's moving quickly and often in secrecy. Instead of just reacting to its actions, we should be thinking about its long-term effects on government and society.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's October Surprise

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Opinion Political Analysis Legislation
  1. Biden made controversial comments calling Trump supporters 'garbage' just before the election, which drew backlash from various political figures.
  2. The White House quickly tried to clarify Biden's remarks, but many were unconvinced and criticized him for the language used.
  3. Kamala Harris also faced scrutiny for her performance in a TV interview, highlighting challenges within the Democratic campaign leading up to the election.

My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Leadership
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.

The EPA's Incredible $20 Billion Dollar Caper, Explained

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13401 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Corruption Policy Oversight
  1. The EPA allegedly parked $20 billion of taxpayer money with an outside financial institution, which raised concerns about accountability. People are worried because this is the first time something like this has happened at the EPA.
  2. There seems to be a rush to commit this money without proper oversight, which means mistakes could happen. Many believe this can lead to misuse or corruption.
  3. This situation highlights the need for more transparency and scrutiny within government financial practices. It's crucial for citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being managed.

Britain still isn't moving fast enough

Odds and Ends of History • 1474 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Democracy Transport Policy
  1. Building infrastructure in Britain is taking way too long, with projects like HS2 getting pushed back to 2036 or later. This is frustrating for people who want improvements now.
  2. Despite the government announcing plans to speed things up, the actual timelines for construction are still disheartening. Many projects won't be finished until 2040 or later.
  3. There's a disconnect between politicians making infrastructure decisions and seeing real changes in communities. Voters deserve to see results during their elected leaders' terms.

Dingus of the Week: Kristi Noem

Men Yell at Me • 372 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Protest Elections Immigration
  1. Laughter can help us cope with tough political situations. It’s important to find humor even in serious moments.
  2. There are strong reactions and protests against the government's actions, especially regarding immigration. People are standing up to defend their rights.
  3. Kristi Noem is criticized for her actions and comments related to fascism and racism. It's important to address how individuals can misuse their power.

A Shocking Fact about Bobby Kennedy's Assassination You Probably Don't Know

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 198 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Assassination Conspiracy History Government Justice
  1. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the medical examiner for RFK, claimed he never declared Sirhan Sirhan as the killer. This raises questions about the official narrative of the assassination.
  2. Many eyewitnesses believe that Sirhan could not have fired the shot that killed RFK, with the fatal shot coming from behind him. This suggests the possibility of a second gunman.
  3. There seems to be a pattern of ignoring inconvenient facts about RFK and JFK's deaths. Some people, like RFK Jr., feel strongly about uncovering the truth behind these assassinations.

The chaos has arrived

Noahpinion • 31353 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Trump Institutions
  1. Trump's presidency is causing significant turmoil within institutions like the FBI, leading to a purge of personnel involved in investigations against him.
  2. Trump is making decisions that disrupt relations with key allies and affect government spending, such as imposing tariffs and freezing federal aid.
  3. There are concerns about the chaos resulting from Trump's management style, which may cause even more local and national issues as his term progresses.

The Media is Busted

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 21299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Journalism Public Opinion Policy
  1. The media is facing significant trust issues and may be failing in its responsibilities. Many people feel let down by traditional media outlets.
  2. There are concerns about unnecessary spending by government agencies on media partnerships. This has raised questions about accountability and responsible use of taxpayer money.
  3. The legacy media's reputation is suffering, and some believe it's time for a major change or even an end to its current structure. Many are frustrated with how the media has evolved over time.

Germany Opens Big Fat Pie Hole

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8918 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government International relations Media Free speech Censorship
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister criticized the comments made by J.D. Vance about democracy in Europe. He thinks it's not okay to compare Europe to authoritarian places.
  2. There's a feeling that the political climate is changing, raising questions about what is acceptable to say in big conversations about democracy.
  3. Some people are reacting humorously to this situation, talking about the past and how it seems like the world is getting interesting again.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 21, 2025: "Looking Back on Trump's First Month"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1124 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Surveillance Civil Liberties
  1. Privacy is becoming a bigger issue, especially with new laws in the UK asking companies like Apple to give backdoor access to personal data. This raises concerns about keeping our information safe.
  2. There's a shift happening where some politicians are starting to speak up for civil liberties and privacy rights. It's important that both parties work together on this issue to make real change.
  3. The crazy atmosphere of Las Vegas can really mess with your mind. It’s like being in a different world without normal life routines, making even simple tasks feel surreal.

Trump's Parade of Horribles

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 189 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Political Commentary Social Issues
  1. Trump's upcoming parade events are portrayed as outlandish and satirical, highlighting how his presidency has been characterized by unusual spectacles.
  2. There is a sense of irony in how the military is being politicized for show, reflecting on the nature of political power and display.
  3. The tone suggests a critical view of Trump's antics and compares him to dictators who use grand displays for personal gain.

Contra MR On Charity Regrants

Astral Codex Ten • 25741 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Charity Aid Regulation Politics Government
  1. USAID funds many charities, but does not give money directly to people. All funds first go through other charitable organizations.
  2. Overheads in charities, like salaries and audits, are necessary for ensuring that donations reach the intended causes. USAID’s overhead is about 30%, which is typical.
  3. Even with some flaws, USAID programs save millions of lives, and concerns about corruption are often exaggerated. Many charity workers genuinely strive to help others.

On "Internews"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13541 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Policy Journalism Censorship
  1. USAID has secretly funded a group called Internews Network with nearly half a billion dollars. This money has helped create a lot of media outreach and training for journalists.
  2. Internews Network has worked with thousands of media outlets and has produced many broadcasts that have reached millions of people.
  3. There are concerns about Internews supporting social media censorship, which raises questions about freedom of speech and information.

Trump's civil war

Thinking about... • 1136 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Government Civil Rights Political Rhetoric History
  1. Trump is trying to change the military's role from protecting the country to controlling the people. He wants soldiers to act against American citizens instead of defending democracy.
  2. His speeches suggest that the past military victories are being used to justify future actions that aren't legal. Trump is encouraging soldiers to follow him personally rather than the Constitution.
  3. By calling migration an 'invasion', Trump is mixing ideas of war and policy, aiming to create an enemy within the country. This could lead to dangerous situations where soldiers might harm their fellow citizens.

Here Comes The 2020 Playbook Again!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3710 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Media Political issues Government
  1. Media is warning about delayed election results again, just like in 2020. This raises concerns about the voting process.
  2. Certain states consistently struggle to count votes quickly, which leads to suspicions about their election integrity.
  3. Voters are already experiencing issues with voting machines, raising more doubts about the fairness of the elections.

WARNING: Elon Musk is crippling the future of the United States

Marcus on AI • 8457 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Education Science Public Policy Technology
  1. Drastic cuts to funding for science and universities could hurt America's future. Less money means fewer resources for research and education.
  2. Many talented scientists and academics might leave the country because of these funding cuts. This can damage the reputation of American universities.
  3. The decisions being made could have negative effects even on people in red states, showing that these cuts impact everyone, not just certain areas.

The Family That Never Came Home. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1405 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Political parties Government International relations
  1. Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages who died in captivity, including young children. This tragic event highlights the deep emotional toll of ongoing conflicts.
  2. Bernard-Henri Lévy argues that Europe needs its own military, as the reliance on the United States is becoming less viable. He believes it's time for Europe to take charge of its own security.
  3. There's a concern that the extreme positions on both the online left and right in politics can push normal voters away. Moderation and balance are needed to keep the political landscape stable.

TGIF: Be (My Limestone) Mine?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4920 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Efficiency Policy Culture Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's team is trying to modernize government processes, like digitizing how federal employee retirements are handled. This could save time and money compared to current methods that involve a lot of manual labor.
  2. There's a focus on cutting unnecessary expenses, like the cost of minting pennies, which is more than their value. Efforts are being made to remove these inefficiencies.
  3. A young adviser at the State Department, known as 'Big Balls,' has gained attention for his unusual online name. This sparked discussions in the media, showcasing how things can get blown out of proportion in public conversations.

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2416 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Government Media Elections Public Opinion
  1. There's a livestream event tonight at 8 PM ET where Matt and Walter will talk about important topics.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the new secretary of health and human services, promising transparency and honest science.
  3. The discussion will focus on COVID-19, the medical establishment's claims, and what changes might happen under his leadership.

How USAID Funded Ukraine’s Propaganda Machine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Foreign Policy Elections Civil Rights
  1. USAID has been involved in funding media in Ukraine, some of which reportedly suppress important stories, raising concerns about press freedom.
  2. There are ongoing legal battles in Hollywood, particularly between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which highlight the complexities of the #MeToo movement.
  3. Recent incidents in Australia involving nurses making harmful comments highlight growing concerns about antisemitism in the country.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘A New World Order’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2851 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership History Diplomacy Government Foreign Policy
  1. George H.W. Bush's 'Chicken Kiev' speech was seen as controversial at the time but is now viewed as an exemplary model of diplomacy.
  2. The speech illustrated how America could support democracy in other countries without taking on the role of a global policeman.
  3. Reflecting on past leadership can help us understand and navigate current political issues more effectively.

New Yorkers Aren’t Judging Eric Adams

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Political Behavior Corruption
  1. Many New Yorkers are not reacting strongly to Mayor Eric Adams' recent corruption indictment. Instead of judgment, there seems to be a sense of indifference or acceptance among residents.
  2. People in the community still show excitement and support for the mayor when they see him in public. Teenagers and locals are eager to take photos with him, showing a positive image despite the scandal.
  3. The situation reflects a broader attitude where some voters may overlook political scandals if they feel a personal connection to the leader. It shows how charisma can outweigh controversy for some constituents.

‘This is Serious Business. You Better Start Paying Attention.’

Breaking the News • 2090 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policies Aviation Regulations Public Safety
  1. The recent aviation disasters are not linked to the current administration, but future incidents may be due to their policies. It's important to pay attention to how these changes affect safety.
  2. The discussions around the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are concerning. Quick changes to air safety measures could lead to serious accidents.
  3. A podcast diving deep into an aviation accident reveals crucial insights about helicopter routes and landing complexities, emphasizing the serious nature of air travel and safety.