The hottest Government Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Alexa, Reindustrialize the Heartland. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 621 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. China is now the world's manufacturing leader, producing twice as much as the U.S. This shift impacts America's military and economic power.
  2. A new group of industrialists in Detroit is focusing on advanced technologies like robots and electric vehicles to revitalize U.S. manufacturing.
  3. Many wealthy people are preparing for potential crises by stockpiling resources, suggesting they have concerns about future instability.

The Damage Caused From COVID Policies Is Utterly Jaw Dropping

Unmasked • 62 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. Lockdowns and many other COVID policies were implemented without solid evidence they would reduce transmission, yet they were used widely.
  2. Officials largely ignored or failed to study the likely harms, causing major social, economic, and mental-health damage that still lingers.
  3. Many interventions, such as school closures and business restrictions, lacked rigorous trials so their benefits are unclear. This shows we need evidence-driven policies that consider harms as well as benefits.

Canada's Mediocracy

Diane Francis • 1618 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Canada is giving little military support to Ukraine, especially compared to what other countries like the US are doing. The government has also not met its NATO defense spending commitments.
  2. Trudeau's government lacks expertise, hiring outside consultants for guidance and has made several decisions that hurt Canada's energy sector and military capabilities. This raises concerns about national security.
  3. There are serious issues of foreign influence on Canadian politics, especially from China, which have not been adequately addressed by Trudeau and his administration.

America Has Black Nationalism, Not Balkanization

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4023 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. American racial politics should be understood as primarily about Black Nationalism versus everyone else, rather than just whites versus minorities.
  2. The power and impact of America's assimilation capacity and focus on black issues in politics are significant and have defied demographic changes.
  3. Fighting to eliminate racial classifications and recognition for non-black minorities may be more important than battling Black Nationalism directly, as black-centered politics tend to remain irrespective of external influences.

The government ordering Apple to break its encryption is stupid, counter-productive and unworkable

Odds and Ends of History • 1340 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Government Policy
  1. The government's demand for Apple to break its encryption just doesn't make sense. It would create a security risk for everyone, not just criminals.
  2. End-to-end encryption is really important for keeping our data safe. If encryption is weakened, it puts everyone at risk of hacks and privacy violations.
  3. Tech companies like Apple might resist these government orders because it goes against their commitment to privacy. It's not just a principle; it also affects their business and user trust.
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Prominent Hollywood Director Makes Wild, Inaccurate Claims About New Zealand's COVID Policies And Outcomes, Calls US Insane

Unmasked • 41 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. Supporters of strict COVID measures are described as acting like religious fanatics who cared more about moral superiority than real-world results.
  2. James Cameron is singled out for making wild, inaccurate claims about New Zealand’s COVID response and for calling the US 'insane,' presented as an example of that mindset.
  3. The piece argues that lockdowns, mandates, and other COVID policies were repeatedly proven wrong, yet many people refuse to admit the outcomes didn’t justify those measures.

AI #99: Farewell to Biden

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Biden's farewell address highlighted the risks of a 'Tech-Industrial Complex' and the growing importance of AI technology. He proposed building data centers for AI on federal land and tightening regulations on chip exports to China.
  2. Language models show potential in practical applications like education and medical diagnostics, but they still fall short in areas where better integration and real-world utility are needed.
  3. Concerns about AI's risks often stem from pessimism regarding humanity's ability to manage technological advancement. It’s important to find hope in alternative paths that can lead to a better future without relying solely on AI.

No bridge too far

Disaffected Newsletter • 1658 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Many progressive liberals seem to lack a moral line that they won’t cross, even when their party takes extreme actions.
  2. There are serious issues in society like the education system failing kids, rising fatherlessness, and the controversial handling of child gender identity that should concern everyone.
  3. Supporting political parties that endorse harmful policies is seen as a moral failure, with the belief that it creates a divide between people who care about ethics and those who don't.

More on the Vibes Shift, Alexander the Great, Elderly Mobsters, and More

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1194 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The discovery of Propecia for hair loss came from studying children in the Dominican Republic who had unique genital characteristics. This led to the development of a drug that helps prevent hair loss by replicating a natural enzyme deficiency.
  2. In South Korea, older people are becoming involved in right-wing politics, similar to trends seen in the U.S. This shows how different generations can align politically for various reasons, often driven by fear or conspiracy beliefs.
  3. The shift in Silicon Valley regarding corporate power highlights that political influence often outweighs economic power. Companies can change their policies quickly under political pressure, showing that government authority is central to real power.

MPS20 Comparison for the June 2025 LA Riots

Handwaving Freakoutery • 554 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The MPS20 scale is a way to measure the impact of protests and riots mathematically. It helps to understand how severe or significant a civil unrest event really is.
  2. Political leaders often use the National Guard in inconsistent ways during riots. Their decisions are sometimes influenced more by public perception than by the actual situation.
  3. There is a growing belief that some riots may be staged for political or media attention. This makes people question if what they see is really happening or just part of a bigger performance.

We Just Got More Proof That Nobody Needs To Wear Masks

Unmasked • 65 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. Many credentialed doctors and public health experts are still loudly calling for universal masking, especially during winter.
  2. The piece claims data show masks did not stop viruses from spreading and points to Sweden’s avoidance of widespread masking alongside low excess mortality as evidence.
  3. Renewed pushes for universal masking this winter are presented as unnecessary because recent data allegedly contradict the effectiveness of masks.

The God's-eye View of the Economy

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💰 Finance Government Policy
  1. Economists often view individuals and firms as 'optimizers' who try to get the best out of their choices. This means they make decisions to maximize their satisfaction and profits.
  2. Pareto Optimality is a key concept where resources are distributed in a way that no one can be made better off without making someone else worse off. However, just because a situation is Pareto Optimal doesn't mean it’s fair or ideal.
  3. Governments are seen as having the role to correct market failures and redistribute wealth for a fairer society. But not everyone agrees on whether governments actually have the capability or motivation to do this well.

COVID Vaccines For Kids One Of The Most Unnecessary Interventions In History

Unmasked • 50 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. The federal health department removed the universal recommendation that all children get COVID vaccines starting at six months. Some state health agencies said they would keep recommending the shots despite the federal change.
  2. The change prompted strong criticism from many medical experts, and the controversy is framed as politically charged with distrust of prior expert guidance.
  3. The piece argues COVID vaccines for healthy kids were largely unnecessary, claiming they prevented few child deaths and that proponents often didn’t closely examine the actual effectiveness data.

Dingus of the week: Everyone who is mad about Zohran Mamdani

Men Yell at Me • 439 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. There's a movement in NYC for socialism that aims to raise wages and make life more affordable, which some people are reacting to negatively.
  2. Backing politicians who support corruption is seen as hypocritical, especially when they disregard kindness and community support.
  3. The conversation around social issues is getting heated, but it encourages discussions that could help improve society.

Are You a Terrorist?

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The definition of terrorism is broadening and can include various groups and actions. This can cause confusion and legal trouble for everyday people.
  2. Recent policies have categorized things like drug cartels as terrorist organizations, which means buyers could unknowingly be supporting terrorism and face serious legal consequences.
  3. It's important to stay informed about these definitions and implications, as they can affect personal choices and legal standing in everyday life.

Deporting ‘Pro-Jihadist’ Students: Censorship or Good Governance?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 779 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Trump's executive order aims to deport noncitizens who support terrorist groups. This means students who protest in favor of jihadist movements could face serious consequences.
  2. There is a debate about whether this action is a necessary step for good governance or just censorship. Two experts who usually agree on free speech strongly disagree on this topic.
  3. The situation highlights the tension between protecting national security and upholding free expression on campuses. It's a complex issue that raises important questions about rights and responsibilities.

Thoughts on Inflation

America in Crisis • 139 implied HN points • 01 May 24
💰 Finance Government Policy
  1. The reduced-price model shows how cycles in prices correspond to inflation, especially during wartime when inflation tends to be higher due to deficit spending.
  2. The quantity theory of money explains the relationship between economic activity, money supply, and inflation, showcasing the importance of monetary factors in historical economic events.
  3. Analyzing the current inflation outlook using the money balance model highlights the potential for continued inflationary pressures and the challenges the Federal Reserve faces in managing inflation through interest rate adjustments.

A Zionist Onslaught Against Freedom of Speech [Part 1]

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Many U.S. states have passed laws that make it illegal to boycott Israel, which some people see as a threat to free speech. These laws can lead to serious penalties, even for simply expressing dissent.
  2. There have been cases where individuals faced job loss or discrimination for refusing to sign pledges relating to boycotting Israel. This includes teachers and disaster relief recipients who had to prove their loyalty.
  3. New legislation is being introduced that highlights growing restrictions on free speech, particularly around criticism of Israel. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and threatens open discussion.

CIA Says Pandemic Likely Started From a Lab

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. The CIA recently suggested that the COVID virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier claims that labeled this idea as a conspiracy theory. This has caused a stir among scientists and writers who previously dismissed these claims.
  2. Some scientists who once strongly rejected the lab leak theory are now reconsidering their stance, as new assessments show that the virus's origin is still unresolved. They admit there is no definitive proof for either a natural or lab-based origin.
  3. The claim that calling the lab leak theory a conspiracy was unfounded has been echoed by various commentators. Many are now acknowledging that skepticism about the virus's origin deserves more serious discussion.

Trump The Totalitarian

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. There is a strong desire for major changes in government policies, focusing on taking action against long-standing issues rather than just removing current leaders.
  2. People are questioning the integrity of different sectors, like healthcare and environmental policies, and there's a push for those in power to adopt free market solutions.
  3. There is skepticism about whether politicians will truly act against their own interests and make necessary cutbacks, reflecting a need for both parties to work together for real change.

Big Bird Saves Public TV

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Public TV often gets funding cuts proposed by some politicians, but it survives by rallying support from well-loved characters like Mr. Rogers and Big Bird.
  2. There are worries about biased reporting from public media, especially from NPR and PBS, which some say have a liberal lean. This has led to calls for directing funding to other media outlets.
  3. Instead of completely defunding public broadcasting, it might be better to diversify funding, allowing support for a wider range of media that reflects different viewpoints.

Alert: The Trump administration is quietly slashing new NIH grant awards, and it's not via the budget

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The Trump administration's new multi-year funding policy for NIH grants is drastically reducing the number of research grants awarded. This change means many labs might not get funding at all, harming scientific progress.
  2. Previously, about 10% of grant applications were funded, but now that number has dropped to around 4%. This makes it much harder for researchers to secure necessary funding for their projects.
  3. Researchers and the public are encouraged to speak out against this policy. It's important to contact Congress members and local media to raise awareness about the negative impact on medical research and science.

Joint statement on Israeli sanctions against the media

Distributed Email of Secrets • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Israel imposed sanctions on Haaretz, a major newspaper, preventing it from receiving government funding and contact from government employees. This is seen as an attempt to control the media narrative surrounding the government actions.
  2. The government has also targeted international media like Al Jazeera, which raises concerns about press freedom in the region. Many have criticized these actions as dangerous and suppressive.
  3. Organizations are calling for the international community to support press freedom and lift the sanctions against media outlets in Israel and Palestine.

Urban Paradise Lost?: The History of Seoul's Only Planned City

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 301 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Government Policy
  1. Wirye New Town is a planned city in Seoul that looks great on the outside, with tall buildings and parks, but residents are unhappy due to missing public transport. They have protested and even sued the government over these transportation issues.
  2. Housing prices in Wirye spiked quickly, but now many homeowners feel anxious as prices have dropped significantly. The reliance on real estate for wealth in South Korea adds to their stress during this market instability.
  3. The city’s complex administrative setup creates confusion for residents, as the differing regulations lead to issues with services and community life. This mixed governance makes it hard for residents to get the help they need.

DEI/Woke Medicine Forever

Who is Robert Malone • 20 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. DEI and 'woke' ideology are now deeply embedded in medical schools and professional organizations, shaping what is taught and how clinicians speak and act.
  2. That influence shifts admissions and hiring toward demographic and ideological criteria instead of pure merit, and it encourages obedience to protocol over independent medical judgment—critics say this helped spread problematic COVID-era guidance.
  3. Proposed responses include using legal and regulatory means to curb guild power and restore merit-based standards, while patients uncomfortable with current trends may need to seek alternative providers who reject DEI-driven practices.

Your tolerance is not enough

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. People often look for politicians to show empathy, but that expectation is seen as childish by some. Adults should expect more serious leadership, not emotional displays.
  2. A recent court ruling allows youths to claim the government harmed their health by promoting fossil fuels, which seems to push for more government control.
  3. There are new insights about special prosecutor Jack Smith that might change how people view his role in politics. There's a lot of interesting and unexpected information about him.

The Logic of the Chips Escalation

Policy Tensor • 393 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The concentration of authority in the national security advisor's office is vital for the security state's functioning.
  2. The chips escalation is driven by concerns over the cyber security of US nuclear command and control.
  3. Maintaining US primacy in the cyber realm is crucial to ensure the credibility of US nuclear deterrence.

Note to Congress on DEI in the Sciences: The Call is Coming from Inside the House

OpenTheBooks Substack • 181 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Funding for scientific research is being diverted towards projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which some argue do not contribute to actual scientific innovation.
  2. Congress plays a role in these funding decisions by mandating certain criteria that prioritize DEI over traditional scientific research, affecting how grants are awarded.
  3. There's a push for lawmakers to stop funding DEI initiatives in science, as it is believed that this money could be better spent on crucial medical research and scientific advancements.

Betting Markets

Points And Figures • 746 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Betting markets can predict election outcomes more accurately than polls. They quickly adjust based on new information, making them reliable for forecasting.
  2. Unlike traditional markets, prediction markets are less likely to be manipulated. Studies show attempts to influence them usually don't succeed, keeping the forecasts steady.
  3. Understanding how the market works is key. It gathers and shares information in a way that motivates accuracy, unlike traditional polling methods that can miss the mark.

New, Massive Report On COVID Lockdowns Shows Nobody Will Ever Admit They Were Wrong

Unmasked • 54 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. The COVID response from governments was filled with misinformation and a lack of accountability. Many believe that the policies like mask mandates and lockdowns did not achieve their intended goals and caused more harm than good.
  2. There is a need for politicians and health authorities to reflect on and admit past mistakes, which requires honesty and willingness to consider different perspectives.
  3. A recent report was expected to address the failures of COVID policies but instead failed to acknowledge these mistakes, continuing the trend of misinformation.

FDA Admits COVID Vaccines Likely Led To Deaths Of Multiple Children

Unmasked • 46 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. COVID vaccines have been linked to serious health risks, including the possibility of causing deaths in children. It's important for families to stay informed about vaccine safety.
  2. Public health measures, especially mask-wearing, have become common in daily life despite debates on their effectiveness. Many people still follow these mandates without questioning them.
  3. New leadership in health organizations is working to address past mistakes in handling COVID-19. This includes recognizing the differences in risk levels between age groups and the role of natural immunity.

DOGE vs trump

bad cattitude • 227 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Trump had a big chance to bring change but messed it up by focusing too much on himself instead of the team.
  2. Instead of fighting against corruption, he ended up creating confusion and losing trust among his supporters.
  3. Political change needs new ideas and can't rely on the same strategies that always fail. It's time to think differently to solve the problems.

Weekend Update #140: The US Cuts Ukraine Off: If Only Comrade Stalin Knew!

Phillips’s Newsletter • 194 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. The U.S. has stopped sending military aid to Ukraine, which is critical for their defense against Russia. This decision has sparked debate about Trump's true involvement and intentions.
  2. Despite freezing aid, Trump and his administration still talk about wanting to help Ukraine, creating confusion about their actual support.
  3. Russian advances in the war are slowing down, with the real action shifting to air warfare, which might determine the outcome of the conflict.

Office Armageddon

Diane Francis • 639 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Government Policy
  1. Many big city offices are empty now because a lot of people are working from home. This change is hurting banks and city budgets as tax revenues drop.
  2. Cities are losing population for the first time in decades, which is causing more vacant shops and offices. This could lead to financial trouble for local governments.
  3. Turning empty office buildings into homes could be a solution, but it’s complicated and expensive. Cities need to rethink their spaces and invest in community facilities to attract people back.

Why I Support the AFPI Civil Rights Complaint Against Cornell University

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Cornell University is accused of discrimination in faculty hiring based on identity traits, which could violate US laws.
  2. There are concerns that Cornell's admissions and hiring practices do not align with the Supreme Court's ruling on fair admissions and may favor certain groups unfairly.
  3. The current approach to diversity at Cornell seems to prioritize equality of outcomes over merit, straying from the university's founding principles.

What the heck, Joni Ernst?

Men Yell at Me • 508 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy
  1. Just because someone has experienced a problem doesn't mean they will automatically be kind or supportive about it. Life experiences don't guarantee empathy.
  2. Many people want to change big issues like sexual assault but struggle to confront the systems that allow these problems. It's harder to stand against the power structures that protect wrongdoers.
  3. The conversation around #MeToo has evolved, and now some are using its language to target others unfairly. This reveals how deeply personal and complex these issues can be.

Kennedy Unchained

Who is Robert Malone • 35 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Government Policy
  1. A presidential directive and HHS authority now open the door to reviewing and aligning U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations with international best practices, meaning federal vaccine policy could be changed.
  2. The ACIP voted to make Hepatitis B birth-dose decisions for infants of HepB-negative mothers an individualized parent–provider choice and to encourage post-vaccination antibody testing to guide whether boosters are needed, with insurers covering the tests.
  3. These actions threaten established vaccine-industry and academic-government practices, shift power and revenue away from manufacturers, and have triggered strong controversy and backlash.