The hottest Government Substack posts right now

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

ATW Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1620 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. There is a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a great chance to tune in and catch some interesting discussions.
  2. The hosts, Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, are planning to talk about the upcoming election and how it relates to current events. It sounds like a timely topic with Election Day just around the corner.
  3. They might even include some Halloween themes in their discussions, like what Janet Yellen said about the U.S. dollar. It should be a fun and informative episode!

The Acolyte

Can We Still Govern? • 399 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The actions of young DOGE workers reflect a lack of understanding and respect for government, resulting in harmful decisions, like cutting essential programs.
  2. Luke Farritor's story shows how talent can be misused when driven by a desire for approval from powerful figures, leading to actions that harm communities.
  3. A tech-oriented culture that dismisses government can create individuals who are overconfident and lack the experience needed to make thoughtful decisions, causing further damage.

On Disney v. DeSantis

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 1038 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Florida's actions against Disney in response to their criticism of new laws may violate Disney's constitutional rights, including the First Amendment and the Contracts Clause.
  2. The specific laws enacted by Florida to target Disney and revoke their contracts could be considered unconstitutional under the Contracts Clause, regardless of the stated intentions of the lawmakers.
  3. The legal battle between Disney and Florida showcases the complexities of constitutional law and the potential implications of using legislation to retaliate against private entities for exercising their rights.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

The Watch • 1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Some politicians prioritize loyalty to powerful figures over their country. Senator Thom Tillis supported Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, even after serious accusations against him.
  2. Thom Tillis disregarded claims of misconduct against the nominee, including drinking problems and allegations of sexual assault. This shows how some politicians can ignore serious issues for political gain.
  3. By failing to stand up against Trump and voting to confirm the controversial nominee, Tillis put his own political ambitions above the well-being of the military and the integrity of his office.

A Quiet Walk to the Gulag

Restoring Truth • 884 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The author reflects on the historical context of Stalinist Russia and draws parallels to modern-day societal control and demonization.
  2. The text warns about the dangers of complacency and the gradual erosion of freedoms and beliefs under oppressive regimes.
  3. A call for vigilance and resistance against forces that seek to silence dissent and reshape societal norms, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.
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Gaza checkpoint contractor is shell company of Wyoming-based 'generational wealth management' firm

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1139 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Safe Reach Solutions is a contractor for a Gaza checkpoint and is linked to a Wyoming-based wealth management firm called Two Ocean Trust. This connection raises questions about its legitimacy.
  2. The company operates as a shell, meaning it may not have a lot of transparency about its operations or leadership. Its website doesn't even list its legal name or any employees.
  3. Another contractor, UG Solutions, is run by a former U.S. Special Forces soldier. This adds a layer of military experience to the operations at the checkpoint.

EXCLUSIVE: Intelligence Analyst Who Authored Fraudulent Russiagate Report Is Still At CIA, Say Sources

Public • 426 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. An intelligence analyst involved in a controversial report about Russia's influence in the 2016 election is still working at the CIA. This raises questions about accountability in intelligence.
  2. A recent report suggests the CIA misrepresented information to support the idea that Russia favored Trump in the election. This contradicts earlier findings that indicated Russia actually wanted Clinton to win.
  3. There is concern that this manipulation of intelligence is similar to past events, like the claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It shows a pattern of misleading the public.

Odds and Ends #57: The government isn't as sluggish as it feels

Odds and Ends of History • 1072 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The government may seem slow, but it is actually getting things done behind the scenes. It's important to stay patient and not worry too much for now.
  2. One European country is ahead in the AI competition, which might surprise many. It's interesting to see how different nations are approaching technology and innovation.
  3. There's an impressive light show that sends a strong message against Putin. Creative expressions like this can really make a statement in politics.

Dingus of the week: Lisa Murkowski

Men Yell at Me • 488 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. LGBTQ comedians are using humor to tackle tough issues and find joy in hard times. They believe laughter helps us face serious realities without turning away.
  2. Congress passed a controversial spending bill that raises the national debt while cutting health insurance and food assistance for many. The decision was criticized for prioritizing corporate tax cuts over vulnerable populations.
  3. Wisconsin recently overturned a long-standing abortion ban, which is seen as a positive step. Also, on a lighter note, a fun family trip to Wisconsin highlighted the joy of simple pleasures like good food and laughter.

America’s Air-Traffic Control System Is an International Disgrace

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1048 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. America's air-traffic control system is outdated and struggling, with too few controllers using old technology.
  2. Recent incidents highlight the mismanagement and dangers of the air traffic system, showing it has become one of the worst in the developed world.
  3. In comparison to systems in other countries like Canada, America's methods feel very outdated and inefficient.

MPs to assess Holocaust memorial bill

A Lawyer Writes • 511 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Government
  1. Committee of MPs to assess government plans for Holocaust memorial and learning center in public park near Palace of Westminster
  2. Objectors to the plans include campaigners seeking to maintain the park in its current state and members of the Jewish community concerned about the chosen location
  3. The committee can't consider objections to the principle of the bill, but other concerns may still be raised

Beware the Internet Mob—on USAID and Everything Else

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1029 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Rumors spread quickly on social media, often without checking the facts first. It's important to be cautious about what we believe online.
  2. A recent claim about a scandal involving USAID and a news organization turned out to be misleading or false. Not everything viral is true.
  3. People can easily get swept up by popular opinions online, even when those opinions are based on incorrect information. Always look for reliable sources.

What They Meant by Essential and Nonessential

COVID Reason • 1863 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The distinction between essential and nonessential work was decided by a previously unknown agency called CISA.
  2. The terms essential and nonessential reshaped the commercial world in unprecedented ways.
  3. The categorization of essential and nonessential roles reveals a societal divide between those considered indispensable and those perceived as dispensable.

Complicated Plots, Undetected

In My Tribe • 1199 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Keeping secrets is really hard, and it's important for countries to figure out how to protect sensitive plans from being leaked. The recent October 7 attack showed how much trust someone needs to have in their team to keep everything quiet.
  2. Communication is key in military strategy. Disrupting your enemy's communication can be just as powerful as using weapons. Militaries need to focus on not just protecting their own communication but also finding weaknesses in the enemy's.
  3. Modern politics struggles with transparency, as seen with the cover-up of President Biden’s health issues. People in charge might prioritize their positions over honesty, which can lead to serious problems for the country.

America's Most Successful Terrorist?

Bet On It • 447 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The TSA's shoe removal policy has cost Americans a lot of time, with estimates of about 15 billion minutes wasted over the years. That means countless hours lost for travelers.
  2. Richard Reid, known as the 'Shoe Bomber,' caused a massive response from security that had a much bigger impact on people's lives than his single terrorist act. His actions triggered a lifetime of inconvenience for air travelers.
  3. Ending this shoe removal rule means people can now travel more freely, as the harmful effects of the policy are finally being recognized and addressed.

‘American Dynamism’: How VCs Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Defense Tech...Hot Startup Funding Rounds...Byju's Leads EdTech Rout

Newcomer • 432 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Government
  1. Defense tech has become popular among venture capitalists due to global tensions and the U.S. government's increased investments.
  2. Success stories like SpaceX and Palantir have boosted investor confidence in companies focused on government contracts.
  3. Selling to the government, while lucrative, can be a slow and complex process due to procurement challenges.

Can a Critic of the Deep State Run the Deep State?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is being considered for a top intelligence role, but she faces questions about her stance on Edward Snowden. This has made some senators uneasy during her confirmation hearing.
  2. Gabbard has previously praised Snowden, which complicates her nomination to oversee the country's spy agencies. Her views are causing tension among both Republican and Democratic senators.
  3. Despite initial support from some senators, Gabbard's unwillingness to clearly label Snowden as a traitor is raising concerns about her leadership in national intelligence.

Is a Foreign Adversary Flying Drones over New Jersey?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1303 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. There have been strange reports of large drones flying over critical places in New Jersey. Residents are confused and want to know where these drones are coming from.
  2. A congressman suggested that an Iranian mothership is behind the drone sightings, but this claim was quickly denied by the Pentagon. They said there is no evidence of such a mothership.
  3. Local and state officials are struggling to provide clear answers about the drones. Despite concerns, the Pentagon states that there has been no threat to military installations.

Solving Greece's demographics

The Greek Analyst • 259 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Government
  1. Greece is facing a serious demographic challenge with a declining population and a growing gap between births and deaths.
  2. The country's Total Fertility Rate has been below the replacement level for four decades, posing a significant threat to its future population size.
  3. The government is implementing measures such as tax incentives and improved parental policies to address the demographic issue, but more ambitious and bold solutions are needed to turn the situation around.

Trump's Cabinet Picks Aren't Looking Good For Peace In Ukraine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's cabinet appointments suggest a focus on aggressive policies toward Russia, rather than a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. This raises concerns about increased tensions.
  2. Key advisors like Mike Waltz and Sebastian Gorka support escalating military actions, which aligns with strategies of the outgoing Biden administration. This continuity might not lead to the peace many expect.
  3. There are fears that the incoming Trump administration could worsen the situation in Ukraine instead of improving it, potentially delaying any chance for peace.

Let Them Be Hillsdale

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Hillsdale College does not take government funding, which allows them to avoid many regulations. This shows that colleges can choose to be independent from government rules.
  2. Many colleges in America have been accused of discrimination based on race and gender, and the author believes that if they want to continue this practice, they should also refuse government funding, like Hillsdale.
  3. The author supports reforms for universities that demand truth, merit-based admissions, and respect for free speech, arguing that taxpayers deserve to see their money used wisely in education.

Facebook censors journalist Seymour Hersh's report on Nord Stream pipeline attack

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Government
  1. Facebook censored a report by journalist Seymour Hersh on the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, instead directing users to a website funded by a NATO member state, Norway.
  2. The US government and media failed to offer an alternative explanation to Hersh's report on the attacks, despite attempting to undermine his credibility.
  3. Western governments, not just Facebook, have censored Russian and Iranian media outlets, such as RT and Sputnik, as well as seizing the domain of Iran's Press TV.

Has Europe’s Islamist Threat Come to America?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1187 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. There were two suspected terror attacks on New Year's Day in America, raising concerns about violence similar to what Europe has experienced.
  2. A truck driver drove into a crowd in New Orleans, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many injuries.
  3. After the truck attack, the driver shot at police before being killed, and IEDs were also found nearby, indicating a planned attack.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

Lots of Twitter Files and Nowhere to Go

Yasha Levine • 825 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The Twitter Files provide valuable information about the Silicon Valley-Security State relationship.
  2. Information alone does not lead to political change; strong political organization is necessary.
  3. Revelations like Edward Snowden's leaks may inform, but ultimately lead to political cynicism without concrete action.

Secrecy and Government Weaponization Behind Distrust Of FBI’s Investigation Into New Year’s Day Killings

Michael Shellenberger • 1108 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Transparency from the government is needed to rebuild trust with the public. When people feel kept in the dark, they start to doubt the investigations that are supposed to protect them.
  2. There is a serious issue with military veterans committing extremist acts. The number of former service members involved in such crimes has noticeably increased in recent years.
  3. The circumstances surrounding a recent tragic incident involving a veteran raise many questions. Discrepancies in the manifesto he allegedly wrote and his emails suggest that there may be more to the story than what officials have presented.

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

Breaking the News • 923 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  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.

Changing Your Mind

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. People often want to believe that leaders and institutions have their best interests at heart. This trust can be shaken when they see questionable behavior from those in charge.
  2. Changing your mind can happen when you look closely at the facts and data. It's important to weigh different perspectives, even if you initially disagree.
  3. A significant portion of the population wants to stay out of political conflicts and just live their lives. They may need to be motivated to take a stand when they see that their interests are potentially at risk.

Decapitation Strike

Thinking about... • 1339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's appointments seem surprising, but they might be part of a bigger plan to weaken the U.S. government. It's important to look beyond the shock and see the real dangers these choices pose.
  2. Five key areas are critical for a healthy society: health, law, administration, defense, and intelligence. If Trump's appointments go through, they could cause serious harm in these areas, leading to chaos.
  3. Citizens need to unite, regardless of political beliefs, to stand against these harmful appointments. It's a time for common action to protect the future of the country.

Inside Biden’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Boondoggle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1085 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The Biden administration promised to provide reliable internet access to 25 million people in rural areas. This is important because many people living in these regions struggle with slow or no internet service.
  2. The $42 billion investment meant to improve broadband services has not connected a single customer yet. This raises questions about how effective the program is and why it hasn't delivered on its promises.
  3. Many individuals, like a software engineer in Wisconsin, face challenges working from home due to poor internet connectivity. Without successful implementation of broadband programs, their work continues to suffer.

Making sense of the DMV experience

Archedelia • 805 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Getting things done at the DMV in California often requires engaging with 'fixers' who have connections in the bureaucracy.
  2. California's bureaucratic landscape reflects a shift towards multiculturalism and political monopoly, impacting how services are obtained.
  3. The collapse of the Republican Party in California has led to a political environment where competition occurs within the Democratic Party under a shared political vision.

Everyday Freedom

News Items • 432 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's popularity stems from his rejection of the establishment and tapping into American resentment towards broken systems.
  2. Americans are seeking a new public operating philosophy that prioritizes trust and accountability in government.
  3. The need for rebuilding government on a foundation of human responsibility and simplicity to restore everyday freedom for Americans.

The Monarch of Mar-a-Lago

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1112 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Trump's power peaks before he takes office, showing how the moment of being sworn in changes the dynamics of his influence.
  2. The story of Rip Van Winkle highlights how dramatic changes can occur in society, even in just a couple of decades.
  3. Modern political identities can be confusing and overwhelming, as seen in Rip's struggle to understand new party affiliations.

Dingus of the week: RFK Jr.

Men Yell at Me • 353 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. RFK Jr. has cut funding for important mRNA vaccine research, which many experts see as a dangerous move. This kind of action can really hurt public health efforts.
  2. NPR often uses calm headlines to describe serious issues, making headlines sound less alarming than they actually are. It’s like they are gently delivering bad news.
  3. Taking breaks for self-care, like paddleboarding, is important. Sometimes you just need to step back and relax, even if it means having a little meltdown.

Greater FOOL Theory

In My Tribe • 1093 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The idea of who should make important decisions varies. Some believe it should be individuals, others say experts, and some think it should be decided by everyone voting.
  2. People often fear what others do, leading to ideas like restricting things just because someone might misuse them. This fear can come from both ordinary folks and elites.
  3. While real democracy has its problems because people may not be informed, relying on unelected officials can also make things worse. Finding a balance between the two is tough.

We need to talk about micro-treason

Jeff Giesea • 219 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Using TikTok can be seen as a security risk because it is owned by a Chinese company. Many people believe it could contribute to a national security threat if many users stay connected.
  2. The idea of 'micro-treason' is introduced to describe small actions that collectively make a country vulnerable. This term helps us discuss the impact of seemingly harmless behaviors.
  3. It's important for society to be more aware of actions that could harm national security, even if those actions seem small at an individual level. We need to have conversations about these issues to protect our country.