The hottest Government Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Donald Trump Is The Empire Unmasked

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2947 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Government Presidency Foreign Policy Public Opinion
  1. Trump openly talks about the U.S. being an empire run by wealthy elites. He doesn't shy away from admitting the truth about America's global ambitions.
  2. Unlike other politicians, Trump openly reveals the darker side of U.S. foreign policy. This makes it harder for the government to hide its intentions.
  3. The more people see the real actions of the empire, the less they believe the propaganda. This awareness could potentially lead to positive change in society.

Transcript - America This Week, Jan 31, 2025: "The Apostate Hearings: RFK, Warren, and Democrat-on-Democrat Crime"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1466 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Legislation
  1. The Senate hearings can often feel like a show where senators scream at nominees rather than having a real conversation. This makes the process seem unfair and focused more on drama than genuine discussion.
  2. Senators use these dramatic moments to create clips for fundraising, which often shifts the focus away from important issues to personal attacks and grandstanding.
  3. The experience of being at these hearings gives a different perspective; it feels more raw and intense than what viewers see on TV, highlighting the real emotions and lack of sincerity among some politicians.

Fake Data

Points And Figures • 1172 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Bureaucracy Data Integrity Public Policy
  1. There's a belief that government data, like unemployment numbers, may not be accurate and could be manipulated for a specific narrative. This raises doubt about how trustworthy these figures really are.
  2. The independence of government employees from elected officials is questioned, suggesting that the current system might not align with constitutional principles. This brings up concerns about who is truly accountable in the decision-making process.
  3. Concerns are raised about the reliability of various types of government data, including health and agricultural statistics. This makes people wonder if they can trust any information provided by the government.

Special Livestream at 1 p.m. ET: On the Ongoing Global Engagement Center Saga

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1885 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Media Disinformation Government Investigative Journalism
  1. There's a special livestream discussing the Global Engagement Center and how it relates to State Department censorship. It's good to stay informed about these current events.
  2. Both hosts have faced some scrutiny from the Global Engagement Center due to their reporting. It's interesting how investigative journalism can sometimes attract unwanted attention.
  3. A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit seeking information on the GEC's actions against journalists. This highlights the ongoing tension between government transparency and media freedom.

ATW Livestream Today at 3 PM ET/2 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2604 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policies Current Events Political Commentary
  1. There is a livestream event happening at 3 PM ET today. It will focus on significant current events.
  2. The show will discuss the inauguration of the new president and any important actions taken by Trump during the transition.
  3. Additionally, the show will cover news related to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
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Russiagate Remnants

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9972 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political parties Public Policy Political Activism
  1. Many people who were targeted during the Russiagate investigations feel their lives were significantly harmed. They lost jobs, faced harassment, and some even had to move away from their homes.
  2. There’s a call for ongoing investigations into the original Russiagate allegations, as those impacted want accountability rather than revenge. They believe the truth should be uncovered.
  3. The effects of the Russiagate scandal are still being felt today, with some of the original conspirators still active in politics. Those affected hope for justice and reform in the system.

Five small signs of progress... and what Skegness can teach us about infrastructure

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Government Industrial Policy Housing Public Opinion
  1. There are some good signs of progress in infrastructure, like the government's plans for new reservoirs.
  2. Old Oak Common station is making strides in construction, showing that big infrastructure projects can move forward.
  3. Skegness's history highlights the importance of good infrastructure for success and how current issues affect politics.

THE SHOW NOTES: Only Problems, Gretchen Whitmer's Ad, & The Age of Depopulation

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1019 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Campaigns Government Social Issues
  1. OnlyFans has caused serious social problems, including issues like non-consensual content and child exploitation, despite being marketed as a safe space for adult content creators.
  2. Kamala Harris is struggling to define herself apart from President Biden, which may harm her campaign. Many voters want to see her strong and independent from current unpopular policies.
  3. The world is facing a decline in population due to low birth rates, leading to an aging society. This could change how we live and interact, with many family structures becoming different from what we know now.

Bibi's edgelords

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 834 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Elections Government Advocacy Protests
  1. Netanyahu handed a special 'golden beeper' to Trump during discussions about Gaza, showing close political ties.
  2. A small right-wing group called Betar faced backlash at a pro-Israel rally, promoting aggressive political strategies and targeting critics.
  3. Betar's attempts to gain visibility included spreading false claims about deporting pro-Palestinian activists, leading to public condemnation from various organizations.

FEMA Is A Scandal, But Also Not A Solution

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1598 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Accountability Disaster relief Public Trust
  1. FEMA has lost the trust of the American people due to its poor management and possible corruption. Many believe the organization is not doing its job properly.
  2. Cities in need might wait a long time, up to three or four years, to receive FEMA funds, which doesn’t seem fair. Sometimes, help may prioritize certain communities over others.
  3. In times of crisis, individuals should step up and help each other, as the government may not respond quickly enough. People should be ready to take action before official help arrives.

Bari Weiss: The Comprehensive Failure of Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4437 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Leadership Government International relations Liberalism
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.

Gaza checkpoint shell company outs itself as led by former CIA paramilitary chief

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1709 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Security Military Government
  1. A shell company called Safe Reach Solutions is led by a former CIA paramilitary chief, Philip F. Reilly. This company is involved in operating a vehicle checkpoint in Gaza.
  2. Reilly has a strong background in intelligence and military operations, having held various significant roles, including leading controversial drone strike programs.
  3. The article suggests that the U.S. intelligence community uses access journalism to manage and divert attention from their covert activities in conflict zones.

DOGE and the budget audit of doom

bad cattitude • 462 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Corruption Economy Public Spending
  1. The new players in Washington are determined to shake things up, working outside the old systems to create real change. Expect to see major shifts in government operation due to their influence.
  2. Government agencies are overwhelmed and struggling to maintain control as corruption and inefficiency are exposed. The push for more transparency means many hidden layers of mismanagement could be revealed.
  3. Without accountability for spending, many federal programs and jobs could be cut. The focus will shift to ensuring that taxpayer money is used properly, potentially cleaning up long-standing issues.

The U.S. Government silently disabled anonymous public access to billions of dollars of military AI contracts

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1546 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Contracts Surveillance Transparency
  1. The U.S. Government has made it harder for the public to access information about military AI contracts by requiring a Login.gov account and surveillance consent.
  2. Anonymous access to contract details was shut down, impacting transparency on billions in military spending, especially for contracts known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
  3. Despite these changes, access to the data was briefly restored, and there are ongoing discussions about improving transparency and reporting for OTAs.

Bureaucracy Isn't Measured In Bureaucrats

Astral Codex Ten • 32830 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bureaucracy Regulation Government Policy Legislation
  1. Bureaucracy isn't just about the number of workers; even fewer bureaucrats might not speed up processes if the rules remain the same. Cutting the number of workers could actually slow down operations instead of helping.
  2. Many bureaucratic processes take a long time because of legal needs and mandates set by Congress. Even if you fire some bureaucrats, the steps required to approve things won't change, resulting in delays.
  3. Instead of reducing the number of bureaucrats, the focus should be on cutting unnecessary rules or red tape to make things run faster. Some models have shown success in decreasing regulations by reevaluating what's necessary.

The Rise of Sovereign Individuals

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Dynamics Political Philosophy Technocracy Sovereignty
  1. We're witnessing a big change in society, similar to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The old systems are breaking down, and new ideas are trying to take shape.
  2. There is a growing group of powerful individuals who believe they can operate outside traditional systems like governments. This could lead to more inequality and social unrest.
  3. Some wealthy tech leaders think they can have total control without the rules that supported their success. This raises the question of why they're willing to risk everything for such a gamble.

The End of DEI? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1947 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Elections Civil Rights Media
  1. Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government. This move is seen by some as a return to a more merit-based approach.
  2. San Francisco is shifting towards a more practical governance style, moving away from radical ideas that previously plagued its leadership. The new board president promises to restore effective governance.
  3. The launch of meme coins like $TRUMP has raised questions about their legitimacy and potential risks, with debates on whether they're just fun investments or something more questionable.

Top Links 640 Trump's taxes on blue-collar America. Palantir, Silicon Valley Mittelstand. Hershey's cocoa risk & art at war.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Taxation Economic issues Political Analysis Government
  1. Trump's trade policies are seen as unfairly taxing the US auto industry, impacting American workers.
  2. Palantir and similar companies represent a growing trend in tech that resembles a modern Mittelstand, focusing on niche markets.
  3. There are ethical and environmental concerns regarding Hershey's cocoa sourcing, reflecting larger global issues in trade and art during conflicts.

Elissa Slotkin Just Wants to Be ‘Normal.’ Will Her Fellow Democrats Listen?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2364 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Government Political strategy Social Issues
  1. Elissa Slotkin believes being a 'radical pragmatist' is key for the future of the Democratic Party. She wants to focus on practical solutions that resonate with everyday voters.
  2. Slotkin's recent campaign was successful because she emphasized economic issues that truly matter to people, instead of getting caught up in political drama.
  3. The Democratic Party is currently struggling to find a clear purpose and leadership to unite its members and appeal to voters, especially after significant losses to Republicans.

Top Links 636 Government by executive order. Deepseek & uranium. Avian flu and the supply chain. A natural history of the studio (Kentridge).

Chartbook • 615 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Executive orders Current Events Public Health
  1. The government is increasingly using executive orders to make decisions quickly. This shows how urgent some issues are right now.
  2. There's a connection between Deepseek, uranium, and current events. This is an important topic as it relates to energy and security.
  3. Avian flu is impacting the supply chain. This situation highlights how health issues can affect product availability.

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 Intelligence Government Elections Legislation Policy
  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.

A Letter to Elon

Gordian Knot News • 461 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Regulation Energy Science Public Policy
  1. The Hanford Reservation is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on cleanup efforts that don't actually reduce radiation. The cleanup costs could reach up to $600 billion without making real progress.
  2. The Low Dose Hypothesis (LNT) is questioned because it's believed that our bodies have strong systems to repair damage from radiation. Many people think LNT isn't necessarily true and might even be outdated.
  3. If a new, more accurate model for radiation harm was used, it could save money and allow for cheaper and safer nuclear power. This change could help nuclear energy reach its full potential.

THE SHOW NOTES: Kamala's Bad Answer, Hurricane Milton, & Why Kids Can't Read

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Media Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris struggled to explain what she would do differently than President Biden, raising concerns about her leadership skills.
  2. Hurricane Milton is extremely powerful, causing serious evacuation challenges for many residents in Florida, with some areas facing significant storm surges.
  3. There is a worrying trend of elite college students struggling to read, which could have serious implications for education and literacy.

February 22, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Legislation Military Political culture
  1. Trump has removed several top military leaders and replaced them with people he views as loyal to him. This raises concerns about the independence and integrity of the military.
  2. The idea of having a military that answers only to one leader, rather than to the Constitution, can lead towards authoritarianism. It's worrying when military leaders are replaced simply for being critical or not compliant.
  3. There is a troubling shift toward portraying military actions and immigrant deportation as something entertaining or pleasurable. This reflects a broader disrespect for the values of humane treatment in warfare and governance.

The "Wall Street Journal" Tells Us: Trump Takes Command of Inflation, Which Was Massively Unsatisfactory under Biden

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 1353 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Elections Economic Policy Media
  1. Recent inflation rates are slightly above the targets set by the Federal Reserve, but not alarmingly high. This suggests that there isn't an urgent need for drastic policy changes right now.
  2. There is skepticism about Trump's understanding of monetary policy and how he believes oil prices affect overall inflation. Many experts think he is outdated in his thinking.
  3. Trump's comments on inflation and interest rates may not seriously influence economic policy due to his advisor's stance on maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence.

When Elon Musk Offers Government Buyouts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 639 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Public Opinion Political strategy Elections
  1. Some federal workers feel insulted by the buyout offers they're receiving. They worry it doesn't truly benefit them.
  2. Employees are confused about whether to accept the deal or risk losing their jobs. It's a tough choice for them.
  3. Many workers are anxious about the future of their agencies and whether they will still exist in the months to come.

TGIF: Welcome to America, Greenland

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4511 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Elections Government Legislation Political Commentary
  1. Trump is reportedly serious about acquiring new territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal, marking a shift in America's approach to territory expansion.
  2. A Republican congresswoman has been found living in a senior care facility, raising questions about the effectiveness of political leadership in D.C.
  3. There is a clash within the MAGA movement as traditional conservatives and tech advocates clash over policy decisions, highlighting divisions in the party.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Investigations Media Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

THE SHOW NOTES: Hurricane Milton, October 7th, & Kamala Has No Answer

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Political Commentary Public Opinion
  1. Hurricane Milton is a powerful storm with winds over 150 mph, forcing many people in Florida to evacuate. The storm is expected to make recovery from Hurricane Helene even harder due to existing debris.
  2. Kamala Harris faced tough questions about her economic plans, but she struggled to provide clear answers. This lack of clarity may impact her support in upcoming elections.
  3. Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer, is reportedly back in business selling weapons to Houthi militants in Yemen. His comeback raises concerns about future conflicts and arms sales in the region.

Matti Friedman: Israel’s Prisoner’s Dilemma

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1993 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Government Public Opinion
  1. Israel faces tough decisions about negotiating with terrorists to free hostages. Many believe it shows their commitment to saving lives, while others worry it encourages future attacks.
  2. A significant portion of Israelis support these hostage deals, reflecting a strong desire to rescue captives regardless of the risks involved.
  3. This debate about saving individuals vs. long-term security has been ongoing for decades, highlighting deeper questions about strength and vulnerability in Israel.

Stop Making Cents?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 282 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Public Opinion Trump
  1. The cost of making a penny is greater than its value, leading to debates about whether they should continue to be produced.
  2. Some people believe that the penny has sentimental value and shouldn't be discarded just because it doesn't seem practical.
  3. The argument against the penny includes the huge losses the government faces from minting them, which may outweigh any emotional reasons to keep them.

Three Steps to Fixing the FBI: Interview with Whistleblower Coleen Rowley

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7367 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Accountability Whistleblowing Transparency
  1. The FBI needs to stop being too political and start focusing on its main job. This means letting field agents do their work without unnecessary interference from higher-ups.
  2. Decentralizing the FBI could help it work better by allowing decisions to be made closer to where cases are happening. This would support agents in the field instead of slowing them down with bureaucracy.
  3. Transparency is important for rebuilding the FBI's trust. The public needs to know what's happening and who is held accountable for mistakes so that the FBI can improve and regain confidence.

The January 6 Pardons and the Rule of Law

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1534 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Law Elections Political parties Civil Rights
  1. Donald Trump has pardoned many people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those who assaulted police. This move has raised questions about the fairness of justice for violent actions.
  2. Some Republican leaders believe that only peaceful protesters should be pardoned, indicating a divide in opinions about accountability for violence.
  3. The mass pardoning contrasts with previous statements from officials who suggested a more selective approach to granting pardons for the events of that day.

OPEN LETTER TO ELON: Let's Build "America's Checkbook"

OpenTheBooks Substack • 465 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Transparency Public Policy Federal Spending Accountability
  1. Creating a tool called 'America's Checkbook' can help Americans see government spending in real time. This tool would make it easier for taxpayers to understand how their money is being used.
  2. Transparency in government spending is important. The founders of the United States believed that the public should have access to detailed records of expenditure.
  3. By working together, Americans can push for more accountability and efficiency in how government funds are managed. This will ensure that future administrations remain open and responsible to the public.

POLLS CLOSED: First Election Prognoses Too Close to Call on Most Important Questions

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 169 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Polling Government Coalitions
  1. The election results are too close to call, making it hard to predict the outcome. This uncertainty means we'll have to wait for more counting before we know who really won.
  2. Some parties didn't do as well as expected while others performed better. It's surprising how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Coalition possibilities are unclear because some smaller parties are close to the 5% threshold. This will impact how the bigger parties can team up to form a government.

Bend The Knee

KERFUFFLE • 33 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political parties Immigration Law
  1. Mayor Eric Adams is trying to work closely with the Trump administration, especially on immigration. This seems more like he is being controlled than collaborating.
  2. There was a corruption case against Adams, but it was dropped to ensure his cooperation. This puts him in a vulnerable position with the Trump team.
  3. Some Department of Justice lawyers resigned because they did not want to be part of a deal that traded political loyalty for ignoring potential corruption. This shows serious issues within the government.

Thinking about "temporary hardship"

Noahpinion • 12823 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Deficits Government Public Policy
  1. The US economy is doing well, but the government has high borrowing and deficits that need to be addressed. People are worried about rising interest costs eating into the budget.
  2. Elon Musk is suggesting big cuts to federal spending to help reduce the deficit, which could lead to temporary economic hardship for many. This has raised questions about how much pain people might actually feel if these cuts happen.
  3. There's a debate over the best way to handle spending cuts and taxes. Some believe there are better methods to manage these changes without causing so much impact on everyday people, especially the poor and middle class.

The Pardon Arms Race Escalates

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6145 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Legislation Public Health Pandemic
  1. The Senate is investigating the origins of COVID-19 more thoroughly, despite previous reports suggesting a conclusion. They believe there is still important information missing.
  2. Several federal agencies are being asked to preserve documents related to COVID-19, indicating ongoing concerns and potential for new inquiries.
  3. Lawmakers, especially from the Republican side, are frustrated with the lack of transparency from health agencies about research funding, particularly regarding the Wuhan lab.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Public Policy Political Opinions
  1. Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
  2. Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
  3. Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.