The hottest Government Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

EXCLUSIVE: PBS Disappears DEI Department in Wake of Free Press Investigation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4029 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Media Social Issues
  1. PBS has decided to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department. This happened after an investigation by The Free Press raised questions about the department's role in relation to an executive order.
  2. The CEO of PBS informed staff about the departure of two DEI executives. She mentioned that this move was to ensure compliance with the president's order.
  3. This change at PBS reflects broader tensions and changes in how organizations handle diversity initiatives, especially under political scrutiny.

Trump’s Opening Move Against Migrant Sex Trafficking

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1641 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Policy Government Human Rights
  1. New rules are being put in place to protect migrant children from sex trafficking. Now, all sponsors must get fingerprinted and have their backgrounds checked.
  2. There's a big concern about fraud in the sponsorship process for unaccompanied minors. The government wants to make sure that only safe and legitimate sponsors can take care of these kids.
  3. Some people worry that these new rules might slow down the process for getting kids to safe homes. They are also concerned about the potential for sharing sponsor information with immigration enforcement.

Another Bad Day for Aviation.

Breaking the News • 4655 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📰 News Aviation Public Safety Human Interest Government
  1. A recent plane crash in Philadelphia highlights the quick response and professionalism of air traffic controllers during emergencies. They had to manage a situation as they realized the plane had not reported back after takeoff.
  2. Despite criticism and abuse from some public figures, many public servants work hard behind the scenes to keep everyone safe. It's important to recognize their dedication, especially in high-pressure situations like aviation accidents.
  3. The incident raises questions about air traffic management and safety in busy airspace, showing that there are many factors at play in aviation incidents beyond the immediate events of a crash.

Ex-CIA Chief John Brennan Should Be Sent to Mars

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13925 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Intelligence Security Policy Foreign Relations
  1. Ex-CIA heads like John Brennan are seen as dangerous when they are out of work. Their skills and experiences might lead to troubling actions.
  2. Public criticism can make former spies feel the need to prove their worth and intelligence. This can sometimes lead to mistakes that expose their true nature.
  3. The idea of sending former spies to a distant place, like Mars, is a humorous way to suggest they should be kept away from influencing public affairs.

Kemi Badenoch: ‘I Don’t Think DOGE Is Radical Enough’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1126 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy International Culture
  1. Kemi Badenoch believes that the weakness in values is a bigger threat than external dangers, like Russia or China. She thinks it's important to stand firm on core beliefs rather than being overly tolerant of harmful ideas.
  2. She supports the idea that Europe needs to toughen up against things that could undermine its security, as highlighted by J.D. Vance's speech at a recent conference.
  3. Badenoch emphasizes that it's not liberal values themselves that are the issue but the extreme focus on tolerance that could lead to weakening societal foundations.
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The ‘Everything Is Broken’ Administration

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1242 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Public Opinion Political Movements
  1. The idea of 'brokenism' helps explain different perspectives on current political figures and events. It suggests that how people view leadership and change can depend on whether they see the system as broken or not.
  2. People's views on controversial figures, like Elon Musk or Tulsi Gabbard, often reflect their feelings toward the government and its effectiveness. Those who feel strongly that the system is failing may support more radical changes.
  3. The language we use to describe political beliefs plays a big role in shaping our opinions. Understanding terms like 'brokenism' can help clarify why people have such different viewpoints.

The Purge of the Deep State and the Road to Dictatorship

The Chris Hedges Report • 605 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Authoritarianism Civil Rights Political History Public Policy
  1. The Trump administration is pushing for a major shift in how the government operates, aiming to replace officials with their loyal supporters. This could lead to a situation where laws are only what the leaders say they are, weakening democracy.
  2. There are concerns about the increasing power of large corporations and technology companies, which could misuse personal data and control more aspects of government. This threatens both people's privacy and their rights.
  3. The rise of authoritarianism in leadership can lead to divisions in society, where dissenters face harsh repression. People are urged to resist this and hold onto their moral values, even if it seems difficult.

SHOW NOTES: October Surprise; Town Halls; The Early Vote

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1378 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Polling Political Commentary Political News Government
  1. A recent claim about Donald Trump from 1993 is dismissed because it contradicts facts about when Jeffrey Epstein lived in a specific location.
  2. Recent polls show Donald Trump gaining popularity, even surpassing Vice President Harris's favorability ratings.
  3. Georgia's election officials successfully defended against a cyber-attack, and concerns about North Korean soldiers helping Russia in Ukraine are growing.

The Epstein Rerun

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Criminal Justice Law enforcement Public Policy
  1. The Department of Justice released a 200-page binder related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most of it included old documents and was heavily redacted. It's not the fresh information people were hoping for.
  2. Attorney General Pam Bondi found out that the FBI was hiding thousands of pages of documents on Epstein. This raises concerns about transparency and the effectiveness of the investigation.
  3. The focus on Epstein's case needs to expand beyond the FBI to include the Department of Justice, especially regarding past plea deals and communication with victims.

TGIF: Mar-a-Gaza

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4971 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign affairs Public Opinion
  1. Trump has proposed a controversial plan to take over the Gaza Strip for real estate development, aiming to create a luxurious area reminiscent of the Riviera.
  2. Musk's DOGE team is shaking up government spending, looking closely at agencies like USAID, which has ties to political funding and previous controversial figures.
  3. There are concerns about the influence and past actions of individuals within the DOGE initiative, highlighting potential issues with government reform efforts.

A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Can’t Read His Diploma. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal issues Government Public Policy Social Issues
  1. A high school graduate with a decent GPA didn't learn how to read, highlighting serious issues in education today. This has sparked legal action against the school district for not providing proper education.
  2. Many people agree that kids today are not performing as well academically, partly due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about declining intelligence and skills among young students.
  3. Recent political events have raised questions about justice and accountability, especially regarding figures like Trump and his pardons for individuals involved in corruption. Such actions have sparked debate about fairness in the legal system.

Military Purges and Complacent Judges

Can We Still Govern? • 248 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Judiciary Military Public Policy
  1. The federal government is not too big; in fact, federal employment has declined over the years. Most government jobs support national security and public services that people rely on every day.
  2. Recent actions by the Trump administration have created a toxic work environment for federal employees, leading to fears and insecurity about job stability. This drastic change may hurt the public service we depend on.
  3. Judges need to pay more attention to the ongoing political changes and their impacts on federal jobs. They must act quickly to protect employees from unjust firings and make sure the legal system remains fair.

Just Say Thank You and Shut Up

Phillips’s Newsletter • 413 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trumpism Democracy Foreign Policy International relations Government
  1. Trump's recent remarks show his belief that countries like Ukraine should just be grateful and not push back against his or Putin's views. This attitude reflects a serious misunderstanding of Ukraine's need for sovereignty and freedom.
  2. There is a clear need for Europeans to support Ukraine and act confidently in their own interests rather than cater to Trump’s demands. European nations have the resources to help but need to focus on doing so independently.
  3. Americans who support democracy need to work hard to challenge Trumpism, especially in the upcoming 2026 elections. It's important to regain control to support values of freedom and democracy.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 14, 2025: "The Government is a Giant Pile of Dung"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1578 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Elections Political Commentary Congress
  1. There is a concern that some members of Congress may lack a fundamental understanding of important topics, like manufacturing, suggesting they aren't fully prepared for their jobs.
  2. Political leaders may be more focused on publicity and appearances rather than having genuine knowledge or awareness of the issues they talk about.
  3. The current political climate feels chaotic, with one side acting decisively while the other seems lost and unsure of their direction.

Goodbye to Joe Biden, and Whoever Was President the Last Four Years

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 15182 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Public Policy Political Commentary Biden administration
  1. Biden gave a farewell speech that expressed concerns about an 'oligarchy' forming in America. He mentioned how tech companies could threaten democracy.
  2. Many people feel Biden’s presidency was mostly about him being a public figure rather than an effective leader. There seemed to be a powerful force behind the presidency itself, separate from him.
  3. Biden highlighted a growing disconnect between the president as a person and the presidency as an institution during his term. This indicates a complex understanding of leadership in America.

Trudeau was a poor steward of Canada's economy

Noahpinion • 22118 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Leadership Immigration Public Policy
  1. Trudeau's government struggled to improve Canada's economy, especially with inflation and low business investments. Many Canadians felt disappointed as they saw little change during his leadership.
  2. There was a notable shift in public opinion about immigration in Canada under Trudeau, with concerns over housing and integration rising. As a result, many Canadians became less supportive of high immigration rates.
  3. Canada's economic growth didn't keep up with other countries, notably the U.S., since Trudeau took office. Many believe this issue stems from long-term problems with productivity and investment that were not effectively addressed by his administration.

What's the Right Way to Cover the Trump Presidency?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11145 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Censorship Political parties Government
  1. The removal of pages from social media starting in 2018 showed a trend towards censorship that affected small independent media outlets. This was surprising, as many viewed it as a non-issue despite its significant implications.
  2. The response from political figures about censorship indicated a deeper divide within parties, especially among Republicans, highlighting concerns over who decides what's allowed in public discourse.
  3. The recent rebranding of political narratives focused on billionaires suggests a shift in strategy, but it raises doubts about the sincerity of political actions and the motivations behind them.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for exit liquidity!

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Elections Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Ramp is growing really quickly, now valued at $13 billion with strong revenue. It's impressively outperforming competitors and still chooses to stay private for now.
  2. There's concern about the U.S. government’s crypto plans under Trump, suggesting it might favor investors over the general public. This move seems to help the crypto wealthy rather than promoting financial access for everyone.
  3. Apple is falling behind in the AI race. While they still have loyal users, their lack of advancements could hurt their market share in the long run.

Monthly Roundup #27: February 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Trump administration Social media Civic engagement Public Policy Effective Altruism
  1. Trust your instincts about people. If something feels off, it's often right to be cautious.
  2. Effective communication is important. It's better to express your true feelings rather than making up excuses.
  3. Having a strong sense of agency can help you take control of your life. Imagining what actions a more capable person would take can inspire you to act differently.

Defending USAID Is Political Suicide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2304 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Political parties
  1. Defending USAID could be a risky move for Democrats, especially after a tough election loss. They might need to rethink their approach to avoid alienating voters.
  2. Many voters are frustrated with government bureaucracy and foreign aid spending, which could hurt Democrats politically. USAID, with its large budget, is a prime example of this.
  3. Despite concerns about waste, USAID does provide essential services like health and nutrition aid to those in need. Balancing this may be key for Democrats as they consider their next steps.

DOGE due diligence at treasury

bad cattitude • 314 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Corruption Law Finance
  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.

The Gaza Ceasefire Is Being Sabotaged By Israel, By Trump, And By The Media

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Media influence Conflict Government Public Opinion
  1. The Gaza ceasefire is in danger because of continued violence from Israel. Hamas has said they will delay the release of hostages due to these violations.
  2. Donald Trump's comments have influenced Hamas's willingness to uphold the ceasefire. He suggested that if all hostages aren’t returned soon, Israel should escalate its actions, which may lead to more conflict.
  3. Media coverage is biased and often ignores Israel's role in the ceasefire's instability. Headlines emphasize Hamas's actions while downplaying Israeli violations, affecting public perception.

Eithan Haim: ‘We Took On the Federal Leviathan and We Won’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Healthcare Civil Rights Government Politics
  1. Dr. Eithan Haim faced serious legal trouble after exposing a children's hospital for performing gender surgeries on minors. He believed it was important to stand up against this practice.
  2. After a hard-fought battle, the charges against him were dropped by the Trump administration, allowing him to move on with his life and celebrate with his family.
  3. Despite the financial and emotional toll, Haim and his wife feel proud of their actions and believe they made the world a better place for children.

Friday Funnies: The Deep State Digs In...

Who is Robert Malone • 34 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Commentary Public Opinion Media
  1. It's important to protect freedom and democracy. People should be aware of how their rights are being challenged.
  2. Creative expression can be a fun way to address serious topics. Humor can help spark conversations about important issues.
  3. Support for independent voices in media is valuable. Subscribing to alternative sources can help promote diverse perspectives.

Judicial Notice (10.27.24): Money Talks

Original Jurisdiction • 319 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Elections Legal Government Legislation
  1. Susman Godfrey won a huge $1.6 billion verdict for a client, which means they could earn a massive fee. This proves their strength in handling big cases.
  2. Kobre & Kim also had a big win, securing a $605 million jury verdict in a trade secrets case. This shows that some law firms are doing really well right now.
  3. There are talks about potential attorney general candidates for a future Trump administration, indicating shifts in political and legal roles ahead.

TGIF: War Room Correspondent

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4739 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Public Opinion Elections Policy
  1. Trump's press team is changing how the White House briefing room works by opening it to more journalists, which is a big shift from the past. It means that anyone can now apply for access, rather than just be invited.
  2. Federal workers are upset about being told to return to the office, with some even suing over how the message was delivered. The email they received wasn't well received, and many are worried about juggling work and childcare.
  3. Colombia's president wrote a strange poem in response to Trump after initially refusing to take back migrants. This unusual communication shows the unpredictable nature of international relations in the current political climate.

The Weaponization of Trauma

Can We Still Govern? • 224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Workforce Issues Social justice
  1. Public employees are facing serious emotional challenges due to job instability and harsh government changes. Many report feeling anxious, paranoid, and stressed.
  2. There is a sense of betrayal among workers who relied on their institutions. When their commitment was questioned, it deeply hurt their trust and identity.
  3. The actions of the administration are seen as intentionally creating trauma to control and diminish the morale of public workers, leading to fears about the future.

Salman Rushdie: ‘I Was Dying.’ Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1479 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Legislation Political culture
  1. Salman Rushdie faced the man who attacked him, describing the terrible moment he was stabbed and thought he was dying. It was a painful and dramatic court appearance for him after years of threats.
  2. The National Endowment for Democracy is struggling financially due to funding blocks, which could hurt important U.S. efforts abroad. This situation raises concerns about its impact on promoting democracy worldwide.
  3. Vice President J.D. Vance gave a strong speech on AI during a trip to Paris, highlighting America's lead in technology and the benefits it brings. He emphasized the importance of not overregulating AI, showcasing a new approach under the current administration.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

The Watch • 1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Legislation Political parties
  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.

Top Links 647 Trump & the American gentry. The Federal government that just doesn't grow. Showing off & the English Polanyi.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Trump Government American Society Public Opinion
  1. Many Trump supporters come from the American gentry, which includes small business owners. They play a key role in his support base.
  2. The Federal government is not expanding significantly, which can impact its effectiveness.
  3. There is an interest in cultural themes, such as showing off and references to the English thinker Polanyi, pointing to deeper societal issues.

The Mafia State

The Chris Hedges Report • 575 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Corruption Environment Society
  1. The current economic system is leading to great inequality, where the rich get richer while many others suffer. This creates a 'mafia state' that prioritizes the wealthy and exploits the rest.
  2. The degradation of environmental and social protections is harmful to everyone. Decisions being made today are damaging the planet and the well-being of many people.
  3. Reforming this system is not enough; systemic change is needed. Collective action and new ideas for social structure can help address these deep-rooted issues.

Two Faces of Modernity

News from Uncibal • 656 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Modernity Enlightenment Government Society Human experience
  1. Modernity has both helped and hurt humanity. While it has brought material improvements like electricity and medicine, it has also led to government systems that might control every aspect of our lives.
  2. The problems we face today, like economic issues and government overreach, are partly a result of modern ideas from the Enlightenment. Simply going back to those ideas won't solve our problems.
  3. Many debates today focus on how the state should act in the world, often pushing for more government control instead of less. We may need a new way of thinking that goes beyond modernity to find real solutions.

Gaslit Nation

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13645 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Public Policy Media Society
  1. Many people are frustrated with confusing news and feel like they're being manipulated by those in power. It seems authorities are not being honest with the public.
  2. The term 'Gaslit Nation' suggests that citizens feel deceived and misled about important issues. Trust between the public and officials is eroding.
  3. There's a sense that sensational stories are distracting people from real problems. People want clearer communication from their leaders and more transparency.

The best-case scenario for Trump's second term

Noahpinion • 33706 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policies Trump Economy
  1. The economy could keep growing, leading to better wages for workers. If Trump doesn't interfere too much, this growth might continue.
  2. Political unrest may decrease, as many people seem tired of constant outrage. Americans might become more chill and tune out extreme movements on both sides.
  3. Trump might keep some successful policies from Biden while making adjustments. This could boost American industry without causing a lot of controversy.

Horrifying, Sickening, Stomach Turning

Points And Figures • 1305 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Public Policy Political Commentary Free speech
  1. The government and organizations like the CIA may manipulate events for their own goals, which often harms ordinary people. It's important to question their motives and actions.
  2. Many people believe that the push for electric cars is more about control than the environment. This raises concerns about privacy and autonomy.
  3. There's a strong belief that the current system doesn't respect citizens’ freedoms or rights, and some feel it needs a complete overhaul to truly serve the people.

GDP is a good measure. Don't mess with it for political reasons.

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Government Public Policy Political Discourse
  1. GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, including government activities. It’s not just about private sector spending.
  2. Removing government spending from GDP calculations would create an incomplete picture of the economy and is unnecessary since we already have ways to measure private sector performance separately.
  3. Changing how we measure economic data for political reasons can harm the integrity of statistical agencies and lead to poor decision-making in the economy.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Government Public Policy Compliance Energy
  1. The NRC claims to calculate the probability of a release using PRA, but this is misleading. They only look at certain paths and ignore many other possible scenarios.
  2. There are countless ways a release could happen, and focusing only on a few higher probability paths does not guarantee safety.
  3. The core issue isn't the method of reliability analysis itself, but how the NRC misuses it in their approach.

Woke Elvis Resigns

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11425 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Policy Analysis Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Justin Trudeau resigned as Canadian Prime Minister after his approval ratings dropped significantly during his time in office. It marks a big change for someone who was once very popular.
  2. His story serves as a reminder for men about the importance of maintaining respect and connection with the people they lead.
  3. Trudeau's decline in popularity and embarrassing fall from grace will likely be talked about for generations as a cautionary tale.

The Biden Regime's "Censorship Police" Still Control Twitter/X

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 2817 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Social media National Security Elections
  1. Some believe that the Biden administration has ongoing control over social media platforms like Twitter/X, keeping a level of censorship in place.
  2. There seems to be significant involvement from various government agencies in discussions about topics like election fraud on social media.
  3. Recent social media posts gained massive traction, with millions of impressions, highlighting a strong public interest in these controversial topics.

The L.A. Times’ Owner Takes the Red Pill. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2276 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Government Public Opinion Policy
  1. The owner of the L.A. Times has changed his stance, now supporting more conservative views after previously focusing on systemic racism. This shift raises questions about sincerity in media ownership.
  2. There are concerns about how public media, like NPR, has lost trust with many Americans. A CEO is being called to answer for this trust deficit as funding is scrutinized.
  3. Young people are becoming influential in shaping important decisions in America, much to the surprise of older generations. This reflects a historical trend where youth have led cultural and political changes.