The hottest Government Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Master Diplomats Biden and Blinken: A Case Study in Professional Class Screwups

Michael Tracey • 171 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Biden and Blinken faced criticism for their approach to diplomacy, with many saying they failed to connect with other nations effectively. Their methods often seemed to worsen U.S. relationships, especially with countries like China.
  2. Biden's emphasis on rallying support for Ukraine was seen as a low bar for success. He admitted that his policies heightened nuclear risks, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in avoiding major conflicts.
  3. Despite some positive views on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's handling of the situation led to a significant drop in his approval ratings. Many believe he struggled to communicate the positives of this decision.

Is the 1986 act vaccine liability shield now gone for vaccines that got kicked off the recommended list? Yes, according to Aaron Siri.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Government
  1. The Vaccine Injury Table is the legal mechanism that decides which vaccines get federal liability protection, and if a vaccine is removed from that table the statutory immunity tied to it disappears.
  2. Liability depends on two things: a vaccine being recommended for routine use and being listed in the Injury Table, so changing the CDC schedule alone doesn’t automatically remove legal immunity unless HHS revises the regulatory table through rulemaking.
  3. A separate law (the PREP Act) shields COVID vaccines during a declared emergency, so COVID shots remain protected while that emergency declaration stays in effect.

Why Kishida Retreated From “New Form of Capitalism”

Japan Economy Watch • 439 implied HN points • 11 Jun 22
🌍 World Politics Government
  1. Prime Minister Kishida retreated from his 'new form of capitalism' due to pressure from critics and financial markets misunderstanding his policies as socialist.
  2. The policy document lacked substantive measures to bring about a 'virtuous cycle of growth and distribution' despite initial reform efforts.
  3. Kishida's leadership style, as a consensus-builder, hindered the ability to make significant economic changes and prioritize key economic measures.

Optimism of the will

Comment is Freed • 66 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Government
  1. The new NHS plan is ambitious but lacks clear steps on how to achieve its goals. It has many ideas but doesn't explain how to address current problems or fund the changes.
  2. There is a trend in the plan to shift healthcare services into local centers, but this has been tried before without success. The history of similar proposals is not properly considered.
  3. While it's good to be optimistic about making changes, ignoring the real challenges and barriers can lead to problems. It's important to balance hope with a realistic understanding of obstacles.

The NRC's Abuse of PRA

Gordian Knot News • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  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.
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Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.

Bogus Documents fueled the Russia Hoax

The Reactionary • 58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. New documents show that some claims about Russian interference in the 2016 election might not be trustworthy. These documents were said to be based on unreliable sources.
  2. The Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) concluded that Russia helped Trump win, but it used questionable evidence to support this claim. Critics say the information was manipulated.
  3. There were various interpretations of key claims about Russia's motives, indicating that the intelligence may not be as clear-cut as once thought.

A Postmortem On Postmortems

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 211 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. People often feel confused and frustrated about political events. It can be hard to understand how things happen and why they affect us deeply.
  2. There's a sense of humor that can help us cope with current political chaos. Laughing about tough situations can be a way to deal with stress.
  3. Despite political problems, life continues with many important aspects outside of politics. Family, friends, and personal experiences still matter a lot.

The Case for a "Department of Government Efficiency"

The Good Science Project • 74 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Creating a Department of Government Efficiency could help streamline processes and reduce wasted time in government agencies. This department would focus on understanding how agencies work and where improvements can be made.
  2. Government workers often face a lot of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, which slows them down. By asking them about their challenges, the new department could find valuable ways to improve efficiency.
  3. Learning from past government reform efforts is crucial. The new department should collaborate with existing groups to implement already known ideas for improving government efficiency, rather than starting from scratch.

Republican Malignancy

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Many Republicans are turning against Trump due to his actions related to the Capitol riot and pressure on election officials. This shift shows that some in the GOP believe he is a threat to their party's future.
  2. Evidence from recent hearings is building a case against Trump that includes serious accusations like using threats to influence election outcomes. These actions could lead to legal trouble for him.
  3. There's a debate within the party about whether to charge Trump, as it could either protect the rule of law or fuel claims of political revenge among his followers. The impact of these decisions on future elections is significant.

I thought we were broke

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Government
  1. Groq is making waves in AI and inference computing by building special chips that help with AI tasks. They recently expanded into Europe to better meet customer needs.
  2. Elon Musk's new America Party might attract moderate voters looking for alternatives, especially among tech elites. However, it's uncertain how popular it will actually be among voters.
  3. Changes to the tax rules for small businesses allow for more tax-free sales, which could help startups but may raise questions about government handouts amid claims of a budget crisis.

The Unbearable Heaviness of Government

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Local governments struggle to effectively integrate digital technology for improved services like solving congestion or waste management.
  2. The conflict between the agile, user-centric approach of digital tech and the process-oriented nature of government is a central theme in Jennifer Pahlka's book, Recoding America.
  3. Government service delivery challenges are not solely about technology; they also involve bureaucratic culture, the need for implementation-focused leaders, and the importance of public accountability in driving improvement.

"The progress of man's welfare"

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Milton Friedman advocated for 'progressive negative taxation' as a way to address poverty and ensure welfare progress. The idea was rooted in a guaranteed minimum income based on nutritional needs.
  2. Friedman's negative income tax proposal faced challenges and opposition, particularly in implementation and acceptance among policymakers. It aimed to bridge left-wing and right-wing perspectives on poverty alleviation.
  3. The concept of negative income tax, though not fully realized in policy, showcased the ideological uniqueness of grounding economic theories in practical welfare solutions. It sought to balance efficiency, individual freedom, and incentives in addressing poverty.

The Other Girl in Red

Ijtihad • 85 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Silence from friends and media about important issues can support wrongdoing. People often ignore or justify atrocities, showing a troubling bias about which lives matter.
  2. The media's job is to hold power accountable, but many outlets now prioritize access to powerful figures over honest reporting. This damages democracy and public trust.
  3. It's essential to question what news is leaving out. With increasing consolidation in media, the range of acceptable opinions shrinks, limiting open discussions about complex issues.

Damaging US Relationships for Nothing

Phillips’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Recent actions by the US government have hurt its relationships with neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. These actions were supposedly in response to issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
  2. There seems to be a mismatch between the tough talk from US leaders and the actual outcomes of their policies. Instead of strong responses, there might be more backlash than effective solutions.
  3. Some parts of the US press seem to have lost their ability to report independently. This raises concerns about the overall health of public discourse and journalism in the country.

Why are "missions" proving so difficult?

Comment is Freed • 65 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Missions aim to connect different departments to work together towards common goals, but often get stuck in departmental boundaries instead of collaborating.
  2. Successful missions need to be ambitious and focus on long-term outcomes, even when faced with short-term challenges. This helps justify tough choices today for better results in the future.
  3. Missions should involve everyone in society, not just government, meaning real teamwork and shared ownership are important. This can be tough for bureaucracies that like to control but is key to success.

Impeach Him

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 142 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Donald Trump's behavior is likened to delusions seen in dementia patients, suggesting he operates in his own fantasy world. This raises serious concerns about his decisions and their impact on the country.
  2. The consequences of Trump's actions could lead to irreversible harm to the U.S. and its global standing, potentially paving the way for authoritarian regimes to rise in influence.
  3. Pathological narcissism not only affects Trump but has also created a collective delusion among many of his supporters, making them dismiss evidence and rational criticisms of his actions.

What They’re Still Not Telling Us About the UFOs They Shot Down

theconnector • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The US government has limited information about UFOs shot down in American airspace, leading to various speculations.
  2. There is a focus on militarizing space and colonizing other planets instead of pursuing sustainable and peaceful initiatives.
  3. The push for corporate colonization of space, supported by massive government funding, is driven by destructive myths rather than practical priorities.

Rage Against the Machine

theconnector • 117 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Staying angry about political injustices may be justified and holds people accountable over time.
  2. The crisis of democracy involves more of a demand-side problem rather than just a supply-side problem.
  3. People in power who abuse their responsibility should not be easily forgiven or continue to benefit from their actions.

A Mishmash of Monday Readings

crimeandpunishment • 117 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Preserving dirt roads is about connecting to nature and heritage, slowing down, and appreciating rural life.
  2. Communities are banning Dollar Stores due to predatory business practices and negative impact on local businesses and communities.
  3. Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank and the need for financial regulations.

Getting it Wrong - Again!

Movements Start Small • 117 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Leaders adjust to avoid energy crisis with strategies like importing gas and using renewable sources.
  2. Trump's political influence persists, with over 50% chance of winning the nomination.
  3. The decline of the dollar and end of war on drugs predictions have not materialized as quickly as expected.

What Would You Do?

KERFUFFLE • 71 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Many people misunderstand that protests can be spontaneous and not always organized by groups. This means the reactions during protests can be chaotic and unpredictable.
  2. When people feel their basic rights and families are threatened, they might turn to violent protests because they see no other way to fight back. Understanding this helps explain their actions.
  3. Political violence is often a last resort for people facing oppressive situations. It's important to recognize this reality, even if we don't agree with it.

US gov't creates Ministry of Truth run by cold warrior who smears independent media as 'Russian disinformation'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 358 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. The US government created a Ministry of Truth led by a censorial cold warrior to combat 'Russian disinformation' and target independent media outlets.
  2. The DHS, infamous for violating civil liberties, established a Disinformation Governance Board overseen by an anti-Russia information warrior, Nina Jankowicz.
  3. Despite past criticism, Democrats now support rebranding the Bush-era DHS, giving it power over freedom of speech, and using it to escalate the new cold war on Russia and China.

A Profit-Seeking Government?

In My Tribe • 425 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Government can be categorized into Limited-Access (L) and Open-Access (O) Orders based on who is allowed to form significant organizations.
  2. In Limited-Access Orders (L), the ruling coalition can extract resources and form organizations, while in Open-Access Orders (O), citizens have the right to form political parties and corporations independently.
  3. Profit-seeking government tends to align with one-party government and can lead to corruption and favoritism, making a competitive, open-access order preferable.

Unpacking the Executive Order on AI

The Exformation Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Government
  1. The Executive Order on AI has raised concerns about legal challenges and the impact on the rule of law.
  2. Government policy decisions can have long-lasting effects, as seen in examples like the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and technical requirements for new technologies.
  3. The Executive Order gives the White House new authority over 'dual use foundation models,' raising questions about regulation and potential impacts on innovation.

OSD 334: Drone terrorism is here, it’s just the government doing it

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Drones make it easier for governments to carry out acts of violence without much public reaction. This means they can target individuals without raising alarms.
  2. Even though drones seem to give more power to potential attackers, really, the main thing that stops people from committing violence is their own choices. Most people don’t want to hurt others.
  3. Drone usage is changing the way governments can enforce control. While they can help individuals, they can also give the state a lot more power if only governments have access to them.

Two steps backward

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

Rounding up Rats

Diane Francis • 499 implied HN points • 09 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Putin did not escalate his war in a recent speech, which might suggest a more cautious approach.
  2. Jill Biden's visit to Ukraine on Mother's Day was a gesture of support for the country amid the conflict.
  3. Alina Kabaeva, who is linked to Putin, may face sanctions in Europe and has been forced to leave her home in Switzerland.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.