The hottest Government Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

State Department Defies Congress, Revives Infamous Censorship Office in Absurd Prank

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9420 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Congress Disinformation Foreign Policy
  1. The State Department has reopened a controversial office that was previously shut down, which aims to monitor and respond to foreign disinformation efforts. This move has raised concerns about censorship and government overreach.
  2. This new office, named the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub, is expected to have a similar mission to its predecessor, despite Congressional efforts to stop it. It signals ongoing government attempts to control information.
  3. Critics worry that the revival of this censorship office reflects a lack of accountability and transparency in government actions. Many believe it poses a threat to free speech and independent journalism.

What we are losing; what we have lost

Brain Pizza • 1191 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Culture History Philosophy
  1. We are losing touch with important aspects of our lives that used to matter a lot. It's like taking for granted things that shaped our experiences.
  2. The world feels like it's moving really fast nowadays, and it can be hard to keep up. This speed makes us miss even more of what we used to value.
  3. Reflecting on changes in our lives can help us understand what we've lost and might find ways to reconnect with those things. Taking a moment to think about it can be helpful.

Trump's a Fascist

Magic + Loss • 457 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Ideology Political parties
  1. The author strongly believes that Trump demonstrates fascist tendencies. They think he could become a dictator.
  2. Multiple people in influential positions have allegedly confirmed Trump's fascist behavior. They include his Chief of Staff and Secretary of Defense.
  3. The author claims that Trump has openly expressed a desire for power similar to dictators like Hitler.

The Government Will Not Save You

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3736 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Community Disaster Response Public Trust
  1. The government isn't always quick to respond in crises, so relying solely on them may not be the best choice. Local communities often step in to offer help before any federal aid arrives.
  2. FEMA and other federal agencies aren't usually first responders during disasters. Regular people and local organizations often provide the most effective assistance when things get tough.
  3. It's important to trust your community and neighbors during hard times. They are the ones who will offer real support, rather than waiting for government help.

Will Trump Turn Gaza Into a Mideast Riviera? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1827 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Foreign Relations Civil Rights
  1. Trump suggested turning Gaza into a tourist destination, but many criticized the idea, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing.
  2. Federal workers were offered a buyout option from their jobs, but many found it insulting and preferred to keep working.
  3. A new Chinese AI chatbot has raised concerns in the U.S. about losing the tech race, as it competes with American technologies despite restrictions.
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Paradise Lost

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 8685 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Safety Natural Disasters Crisis Management Policy response
  1. The Los Angeles fires are not just a natural disaster but are largely due to human actions. This highlights how our decisions can create serious risks for communities.
  2. Government should prioritize keeping people safe, especially during crises. Failing protection, it's important for leaders to show they're in control and supportive.
  3. When disasters happen, like the LA fires, leadership matters a lot. Missing leaders during critical times can leave the public feeling unsure and unsafe.

Letters to the Editor: Is the National Endowment for Democracy Worth Saving?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Political Debate
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has had funding issues due to a recent order affecting its budget. This has created big challenges for the organization, impacting its ability to pay staff and cover basic costs.
  2. There are mixed opinions about the NED's role, with some arguing that it helps promote democracy globally, while others believe it's ineffective or even harmful.
  3. The debate around NED highlights the tension between supporting civil society initiatives and concerns about government spending on such organizations.

The Colorado GOP Sounds the Alarm on Speaker Mike Johnson

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 3352 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Government Elections Political strategy Public Opinion
  1. The Colorado GOP is worried about Speaker Mike Johnson and thinks there's a plan to control the party in Colorado. They sent a letter to Tucker Carlson about it.
  2. A group of 77 anti-Trumpers tried to have an illegal meeting to replace the Colorado GOP chairman. They didn't have enough people to make it a valid meeting.
  3. There are questions about why Speaker Mike Johnson is still seen with Trump despite the controversy. The Colorado GOP seems unsure if Tucker Carlson has read their letter yet.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘We Fell Morally Ill’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3899 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Democracy History
  1. People need to speak the truth for a government to regain trust. Honest communication can help restore faith in leadership.
  2. A new leader can promise to fix past wrongs and bring back democracy. This promise often resonates with people who feel betrayed.
  3. History shows that change is possible after dark times. Just like in Czechoslovakia after communism, new beginnings can lead to hope and freedom.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 7, 2025: "The Big Store: Politico, USAID, and Managed Reality."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1375 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Scandals Journalism Influence
  1. Mainstream media often receives significant funding from government contracts, which raises questions about their independence. It's hard to believe they can remain unbiased when they rely on such large amounts of money from the government.
  2. The money that media companies like Politico take from government sources can be seen as a form of corruption. This compromises their credibility when they report on issues like election integrity.
  3. Critics argue that publications that heavily report on political scandals should be held to high ethical standards. If they engage in questionable practices while accusing others of corruption, it undermines their trustworthiness.

America This Week Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2109 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Media Policy Public Opinion
  1. There is a livestream event called America This Week happening at 8 PM ET tonight, where important topics will be discussed.
  2. The hosts will cover media reactions to the new Trump administration and Senate confirmation hearings for notable figures.
  3. Viewers can watch the livestream on platforms like YouTube and Rumble, and they can also follow the hosts on Twitter for updates.

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 Policy Media Scandal Public Opinion
  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.

Why is Russiagate's Origin Story Redacted?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8352 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Investigations FBI Political Scandals
  1. The FBI recently released a document linked to the Russiagate investigation, but most of it was redacted, creating more questions about its content. This redaction raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the FBI.
  2. This investigation into Donald Trump as a possible Russian agent began soon after he fired FBI Director James Comey, which is unusual and raises doubts about the reasons behind the probe. People are questioning what evidence there was to justify this serious investigation.
  3. The idea of someone being 'unwittingly' involved in activities for the Russian government is confusing and has sparked discussions about the validity of such broad investigations. Many experts think these types of probes often lack a solid legal foundation.

Trump 2.0: A Survival Guide for Democrats. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1882 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Immigration Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Democrats are struggling after recent election losses and need to rethink their strategy. They should choose their battles wisely and focus on presenting themselves as moderate and reasonable alternatives to Trump.
  2. A UN official lost her job for refusing to call Israel's actions a genocide. She faced threats and harassment for standing by her beliefs, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against popular narratives.
  3. Many communities are feeling anxious due to recent ICE raids, causing people to fear leaving their homes and going to work. This fear is affecting everyday life, especially in Latino neighborhoods.

Activism, Uncensored: A Clash of Inauguration Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3149 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Rights Government
  1. Protests can bring together people with very different views, leading to chaotic interactions on the streets. It's a reminder that activism often sparks intense emotions and actions.
  2. Some protesters use art and symbols to express their messages, which can be open to interpretation. This shows how deeply feelings about rights and identity can influence what people create and display.
  3. It’s important to document events like these without judgment, allowing visuals to tell the story. Capturing these moments helps us understand the context of today's activism.

February 23, 2025

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Political parties Political Analysis
  1. People are starting to see through the lies of powerful figures like Trump and Musk, realizing their true goal is personal gain over the public good.
  2. Despite public backlash, Trump and his allies are intensifying their actions, showing a disregard for the law and popular opinion.
  3. Senators and historians warn that we are facing a serious threat to democracy and the Constitution, urging Congress to act to protect our government from becoming an unchecked power.

The Boys of DOGE

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1692 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Reform Youth Engagement Political Movements
  1. Young engineers are stepping up to change how the U.S. government works. They are being brought in to make things more efficient.
  2. Elon Musk has created a group called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help with this process.
  3. These young people are seen as a new force that could shape the future of government operations.

Elon Musk Is Livestreaming Himself Playing A Videogame, Except It’s The Federal Budget

Singal-Minded • 951 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Federal Budget Public Policy Elon Musk Political Commentary
  1. Elon Musk's influence over government is unusual, as he now runs an advisory group that has access to sensitive federal information, raising concerns about accountability.
  2. Musk's interest in video games reflects a larger trend of how gaming and streaming create addictive experiences, blending personal achievement with social interaction.
  3. DOGE, the group Musk leads, is actively cutting government contracts, particularly focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives, which sparks both support and criticism from his followers.

While the West Hesitates China Marches Forward

The Algorithmic Bridge • 637 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Government Data Globalization
  1. China is rapidly adopting AI technology, using systems like DeepSeek across government operations to improve efficiency and decision-making. This shows their proactive approach to embracing innovation.
  2. DeepSeek has emerged as a competitive AI model that rivals established Western technologies, highlighting China's growing capabilities in the tech sector. China is focused on getting results, not just discussing ideas.
  3. The cultural mindset in China emphasizes efficiency and action, contrasting with the West's tendency to debate and regulate rather than implement. This difference in attitude could impact global technological leadership.

America: 2076

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Culture Celebrations Leadership
  1. The excitement for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is building, with plans for a national celebration involving various historical figures. It's a chance for all Americans to reflect on the country's achievements.
  2. Thoughts about the future are growing, especially regarding the 300th anniversary in 2076, and how the past influenced people's expectations of the future.
  3. There's a hope that the national mood will allow everyone, regardless of political views, to come together and celebrate America's past while looking forward to the future.

Elon Musk, DOGE, and the looming threat of rogue AI

Weaponized • 30 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Democracy Public Policy
  1. There's a worry that if we can't handle powerful people misusing power now, we won't be able to deal with a rogue AI in the future. It's scary to think about what might happen if our current systems break down.
  2. Rogue AI could act in ways that are sneaky and hidden, just like what we've seen happening with certain powerful figures now. Understanding these warning signs is super important to protect our systems.
  3. People need to remember that cutting jobs or 'waste' can hurt real lives. It's crucial to prioritize human well-being over just saving money, otherwise we might support harmful choices unknowingly.

What You Don't Know

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political Analysis Corruption
  1. It's important to know your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about what you don't know can help you make better decisions.
  2. A disciplined process is key in investing. By evaluating your approach rather than blaming others, you can learn from both your successes and failures.
  3. Technological advancements are shaping our future. If we embrace progress, it could lead to significant improvements in our quality of life.

Trump Team Taps Dr. Matthew J. Memoli as Acting NIH Director, to Control Political Games and Push Aside Lawrence Tabak

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2075 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Health Elections Policy Science
  1. Dr. Matthew J. Memoli has been appointed as the acting NIH director to help ease tensions within the agency during the transition.
  2. There are concerns about the previous NIH leadership, particularly Lawrence Tabak, who some claim has been dishonest and evasive regarding the origins of the COVID pandemic.
  3. Memoli's leadership could lead to changes within NIH, as the Trump transition team aims to remove other officials linked to past controversies and restore transparency.

Die Linke is back

Comment is Freed • 113 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Defense Elections Foreign Policy Political parties
  1. Die Linke made a surprising comeback in the recent German elections, gaining more votes than expected. This shows that there is still a significant interest in their policies despite their historical challenges.
  2. The new German government will need to figure out how to increase defense spending without going against the debt rules. This could be tricky and may require support from parties like Die Linke, which traditionally opposes higher military budgets.
  3. There is a growing realization in Germany about the need for strong defense capabilities, especially after changes in U.S. foreign policy. This might lead to unusual alliances in politics as different parties look for solutions.

Pardon Me, But This Is Bullshit

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 17954 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Public Opinion Justice
  1. The idea of pardoning someone like Anthony Fauci suggests there may be unreported wrongdoing. It makes you wonder what crimes might actually be involved.
  2. When officials say they are 'weighing' pardons, it often means they've already made up their minds. They just want to see how the public reacts first.
  3. Criticism from political opponents usually indicates broader problems. It's not just one side that's upset; it could be a sign of bigger issues at play.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump Is Starving the National Endowment for Democracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Democracy Political Commentary
  1. The National Endowment for Democracy is facing severe funding cuts under Trump's administration. This could impact its ability to promote democracy worldwide.
  2. The situation at the National Endowment for Democracy is one of the significant changes happening in Washington today.
  3. Understanding these changes is important as they could affect important international relations and democratic efforts globally.

TGIF: Hard Pivot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4595 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Media Public Opinion
  1. Biden warned about the growing influence of wealthy individuals in American politics. He believes this could threaten democracy and everyone's chance to succeed.
  2. He talked about the need for accountability on social media platforms to stop the spread of false information. Biden thinks this is important to protect families and democracy.
  3. The idea of oligarchs controlling politics can be complex, especially when they support causes on different sides. It raises questions about the balance of power in a democracy.

What research tells us about politicization and state capacity

Can We Still Govern? • 181 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Civil Service Policy Analysis
  1. Politicization in government can lead to lower performance and higher corruption. When hiring focuses on political loyalty rather than skills, it results in less competent people in key roles.
  2. State capacity, or the government's ability to perform effectively, can be weakened by politicization. This makes it harder for governments to achieve their policy goals and respond effectively to public needs.
  3. Investing in state capacity takes time and is often not rewarded by voters. People tend to support immediate relief efforts rather than long-term improvements that strengthen government functions.

Only About 40% Of The Cruz "Woke Science" Database Is Woke Science

Astral Codex Ten • 31935 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Funding Science Society
  1. Only about 40% of the grants flagged as 'woke' were truly related to wokeness. Many grants just added a sentence about helping minorities to meet certain criteria.
  2. A significant portion of the flagged grants included irrelevant claims about promoting equity, which likely resulted in them being incorrectly classified as woke.
  3. The process to identify non-woke versus woke grants could be done quickly and easily, suggesting the government's oversight missed many non-woke projects simply due to a lack of thorough review.

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 Regulation Aviation Infrastructure Safety
  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.

NEW: Biden Administration Labeled Opponents Of Covid Mandates As “Domestic Violent Extremists,” Newly Released Documents Show

Michael Shellenberger • 1628 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Civil Liberties Public Health Policy
  1. The Biden Administration labeled people against COVID-19 mandates as 'Domestic Violent Extremists'. This led to concerns about freedom of speech.
  2. Documents suggest that this label allows authorities to investigate these individuals, often starting with assessments by the FBI.
  3. Criticism of the mandates is linked to various conspiracy theories, which could influence actions by social media companies to remove related content.

Trump Reveals Plan For The Ethnic Cleansing Of Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2565 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Policy Elections Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. Trump has proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, which many view as a form of ethnic cleansing. This plan aligns with Israel's long-term goal to remove Palestinians from their land.
  2. Previously released documents from Israeli officials suggest that they have been strategizing for the complete removal of Gaza's population. There are intentions to eventually settle Jewish communities in the area once the population is cleared.
  3. The situation is described as forcing people to leave under terrible conditions, not as voluntary migration. The lack of aid makes it impossible for the people to stay without suffering.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Leadership Policy Military Government
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

The National Parking Platform is a big, exciting deal and you should know about it

Odds and Ends of History • 1608 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Transport Infrastructure Data Management
  1. The National Parking Platform (NPP) is a new data system that makes paying for parking easier by allowing any payment app to work with any car park. This means you won't have to download many apps just to park your car.
  2. This platform collects data from all car parks, which helps local authorities manage parking better and reduce traffic by making sure spaces are used efficiently.
  3. The NPP could lead to new ways of thinking about parking, like offering discounts for electric cars or using real-time data to help drivers find available spots before they arrive.

FBI's Stealth Revisions: The 2022 Crime Numbers They Don't Want You to Notice

COVID Reason • 832 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Data Government Policy Transparency
  1. The FBI initially reported a drop in violent crime for 2022, but later revised the numbers to show a significant increase, changing the narrative without much public notice.
  2. Revisions included thousands more cases of serious crimes, raising questions about the accuracy and transparency of the FBI's data.
  3. Many crimes go unreported, leading to incomplete data and a lack of trust in official crime statistics, which affects public safety understanding.

Caveat Emptor

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 2318 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Foreign Policy Political parties Policy Analysis
  1. Iran is strengthening its military capabilities and could soon have nuclear weapons, posing a threat to Israel and the Middle East.
  2. The strike by dockworkers during a hurricane highlights issues in leadership during crises, with politicians taking sides rather than focusing on helping people.
  3. There's concern about the growing power of the government and its impact on individual freedoms, with calls for a more conservative approach to governance.

Why Is Trump Handing Our Enemies a Win?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2610 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Security Foreign Relations Government
  1. Revoking security for officials like Mike Pompeo puts them in danger. This is concerning because Iran has threats against them.
  2. Taking away these security measures could also weaken America's position internationally. It may give a sense of victory to enemies like Iran.
  3. The decision to revoke security seems to be politically motivated, impacting how former officials can protect themselves. It's crucial to consider the safety of individuals who have been targeted for their roles.

Dangerous as Hell

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 69 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Security Power Dynamics
  1. Elon Musk is gaining too much control over government systems, which can disrupt democracy and is seen as dangerous. He is acting like a private ruler rather than a businessman.
  2. This situation mirrors historical examples where companies became more powerful than the government, leading to potential abuse of power. Musk's control over critical governmental functions raises alarms about accountability.
  3. There are serious risks to national security due to Musk and his associates accessing sensitive information without proper checks. This could lead to manipulation of vital systems and data that protect public safety.

Weekend Update #121: The Mafia State Takes Over the USA

Phillips’s Newsletter • 344 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections International relations Political Commentary Foreign Policy
  1. The US government under Trump is moving away from supporting Ukraine and is forming a closer relationship with Russia. This shows a significant shift in international alliances and could leave Ukraine vulnerable.
  2. There are serious threats being made towards Ukrainian leadership, pushing for economic deals that benefit the US while harming Ukraine's interests. This approach mirrors tactics used by organized crime families.
  3. The future of European unity and its response to US policies is uncertain. Upcoming elections in Germany could impact how European states choose to navigate their relationships with both the US and Russia.

The Biggest Peacetime Crime—and Cover-up—in British History

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5546 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Justice Government Scandal
  1. Thousands of young girls in England were victims of grooming and serial rape for many years, and it continues to be a serious issue. Many people in power ignored these crimes for too long.
  2. The scandal has led to public outrage and demands for accountability, as many feel that both Conservative and Labour governments tried to hide the truth. People are calling for a full investigation into the matter.
  3. Elon Musk's comments on social media brought attention to the case, leading to a larger conversation about the need for justice for the victims and reform in British politics.