The hottest Investigations Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Bill Clinton Has an Epstein Problem, and So Does America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. New Justice Department photos show Bill Clinton socializing closely with Jeffrey Epstein, which clashes with claims that their relationship was very brief.
  2. The images — including scenes on Epstein’s plane, at celebrity dinners, and a hot tub photo with a woman — don’t prove sex with minors but do weaken Clinton’s earlier explanations.
  3. The photo release forces Clinton to answer more questions and intensifies the scandal’s political and public fallout nationwide.

The Man Behind Trump’s Attack on the Fed

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 245 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Bill Pulte runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a little-known agency he has turned into a combative and influential force in Washington and on Wall Street.
  2. He has actively attacked Federal Reserve officials: he’s been tied to subpoenas in a probe of Chair Jerome Powell, mocked up a “wanted” poster of Powell, and even traveled with Trump, while denying knowledge of the probe.
  3. Pulte has used the FHFA to refer alleged criminal cases against Fed officials (for example, against governor Lisa Cook) to the Justice Department, fueling legal and political battles over the Fed’s independence and presidential authority.

Jeffrey Epstein Was Obsessed With My Tweets Just Before His Death—And Now I Know Why

Proof • 125 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Newly released Epstein Files show that, in the weeks before his arrest and death, Jeffrey Epstein was obsessively focused on the thesis behind the 2019 book Proof of Conspiracy and on related tweets.
  2. The files reveal a surprising explanation for why he fixated on that thesis.
  3. The release includes alleged secret videos tied to Steve Bannon and other materials that hint at wider connections related to these revelations.

Why is Russiagate's Origin Story Redacted?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8352 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  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.

Once Praised by Nobel Laureates, EcoHealth Alliance Is Now Broke and Run by Wealthy Real-Estate Investor Stephen Shapiro, a Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council

The DisInformation Chronicle • 710 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Peter Daszak, the former head of EcoHealth Alliance, is now unemployed and claims to be struggling financially after being debarred by the government. He is suing the organization while receiving funding from an anonymous donor.
  2. Stephen Shapiro, a wealthy real estate investor with no background in science, now leads EcoHealth Alliance. His leadership comes during a time when the nonprofit faces various investigations.
  3. Despite his claims of poverty, Daszak still seems to afford a comfortable lifestyle and recent travels, leading many to question his financial situation and the source of his donations.
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WOW! More evidence of the government deceiving us about Epstein!

Michael Tracey • 111 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Senior DOJ/FBI officials used vague language and a broad "victim" list that included families and adults, which inflated the claim of "over 1,000 victims" and created the impression of mass child sex‑trafficking.
  2. Evidence from Epstein's devices was broadly labeled "responsive" using loose criteria, and most seized material was adult or age‑ambiguous; only a very small number of CSAM were found and reportedly were not produced by Epstein.
  3. Politicians and media widely repeated the sensational figures without sufficient scrutiny, fueling public hysteria, so official claims need clear definitions and corroborating evidence before being accepted.

ICE Shooting Open Thread

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 179 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. A recent lull is blamed on winter blues, writer's block, and frustration over the Greenland episode, with plans to resume regular posting and add book reviews, historical pieces, and a long post about Greenland and shifting US–Europe relations.
  2. The Minneapolis ICE shooting of Alex Pretti looks troubling: footage suggests he was shot in the back after being disarmed, with confusing moments that could involve an accidental or negligent discharge.
  3. Officials rushing to label Pretti a "domestic terrorist" instead of waiting for the investigation is criticized, and there's a warning that continued aggressive protests will likely lead to more shootings.

February 27, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. The DEA ran a significant OCDETF probe called “Chain Reaction” into Jeffrey Epstein and 14 associates for drug trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering, yet the 69-page memo is heavily redacted and no drug or financial charges were filed.
  2. Senator Wyden is pushing to force Treasury and other agencies to release unredacted Epstein-related financial records—after reports that JPMorgan Chase failed to report billions in suspicious transactions—by introducing legislation and demanding documents.
  3. The handling of the files has become highly politicized, with Republicans probing Hillary Clinton while Democrats demand scrutiny of Trump; Bill Clinton testified and called for full file releases and justice for survivors amid questions about possible DOJ or agency interference.

The Apparent Musk-Epstein Smoking Gun Is Actually a Trump-Epstein Smoking Gun

Proof • 100 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. A widely reported email between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein is being misread by many outlets; the exchange actually points more to Donald Trump’s connections with Epstein than to damning evidence against Musk.
  2. Donald Trump regularly vacationed near Epstein’s Little St. James and maintained a friendly relationship with Epstein during the period when many abuses occurred, which ties Trump more directly to Epstein’s activities.
  3. Newly released portions of the Epstein files shift the apparent "smoking gun" away from Musk and toward evidence that implicates Trump, so media interpretations should be reassessed.

On "Remnants"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6117 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Michael Caputo is a complicated figure, once known for his work in American aid during the 90s, but later came under fire during the Russiagate investigation. His story raises questions about how political narratives can change perceptions of people's actions.
  2. The Russiagate investigation had real-life consequences, affecting the lives of many individuals, including Caputo, who faced serious personal challenges during this time. It's important to think about the human impact of these political investigations.
  3. There is an ongoing debate about whether it's worth investigating the origins of the Russiagate claims, considering the lives that were affected. Reflecting on stories like Caputo's might help inform that decision.

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 Investigations
  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.

Are James Comey and Letitia James Finally Off the Hook?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. A federal judge in Virginia threw out the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James.
  2. The dismissals were procedural rather than on the merits, and the Justice Department can still seek to continue or refile prosecutions.
  3. The rulings are a notable political setback for the Trump administration after public demands to prosecute them.

Transcript - America This Week, August 1, 2025: "Durham Declassified: History's Stupidest Political Conspiracy Unmasked"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1166 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. New documents suggest that high-profile figures like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama might have been involved in a questionable scheme regarding the FBI's investigation into Clinton's emails. It raises questions about their actions during the 2016 election period.
  2. The documents imply that Obama may have pressured the FBI to shut down investigations that could harm Clinton's chances, hinting at a desire to protect his legacy.
  3. There are concerns about how this information was handled, especially since it seems to connect early knowledge of possible misconduct to the broader narrative of the Trump-Russia scandal.

What We Know, and Don't, About the Air India Crash.

Breaking the News • 1026 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
đź“° News Investigations
  1. The investigation into the Air India crash is focusing on the possibility of 'suicide by pilot,' which is a rare but terrifying scenario in aviation. This raises serious questions about cockpit safety.
  2. Initial hypotheses included issues like bird strikes and fuel contamination, but the plane's steady flight indicated a different kind of problem. Most of these initial theories were eventually ruled out.
  3. The preliminary report from Indian authorities did not point to Boeing or its engines as being at fault, which is significant. This suggests that the issue might be more related to human factors than mechanical failures.

Was Jeffrey Epstein a "convicted pedophile"?

Michael Tracey • 108 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Epstein’s only criminal conviction in 2008 was for state prostitution charges, including procuring one person under 18, and plea records show that the underage instance involved a single victim and consensual intercourse on the eve of her 18th birthday.
  2. Media and politicians have repeatedly labeled Epstein a “pedophile” and portrayed a broader pedophilia crisis, but that label is often used without closely examining the underlying legal facts.
  3. Because public discussion frequently ignores the narrow legal record and due process, many people and institutions have been broadly stigmatized for mere association with Epstein, fueling moral panic and partisan attacks.

Building the Lovecraft Investigations

Development Hell • 1066 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Investigations
  1. The article discusses the process of developing a project based on Lovecraft's work, starting from an idea nurtured by the author and getting picked up by a producer.
  2. The inspiration for the project came in the wake of the success of the Serial podcast, with the goal of giving a modern twist to a Lovecraft story.
  3. Readers or listeners can access more content and archives of the article by subscribing and accessing a 7-day free trial.

The DC Pipe Bomber Confesses

The Reactionary • 77 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. He confessed to building and planting pipe bombs at the RNC and DNC on January 5, 2021, and described how he constructed, transported, and placed the devices; he said the attacks were aimed at the political parties, not Congress or the January 6 proceedings.
  2. He bought bomb parts over multiple years, hid materials at home, wiped his phone hundreds of times, and used online sources like a video game and YouTube to learn bombmaking; he set timers but did not test the devices and later said he felt relieved they didn’t explode, suggesting destruction rather than mass casualties was his aim.
  3. He claimed a vague anger at both parties after the 2020 election, but purchase records from 2019–2020 point to longer-term planning or radicalization, and unanswered questions remain about whether he acted alone and why the investigation took years.

Brian Cole: The DC Pipe Bomber

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. A 30-year-old man, Brian Cole Jr., was arrested as the DC pipe-bomber suspect after investigators matched his purchases of bomb components and tools to items used in the devices and placed him near the RNC and DNC by cell-tower and vehicle records.
  2. The FBI says the arrest came from a fresh, careful review of existing evidence rather than a new tip, and some commentators have criticized earlier leadership for not identifying him sooner.
  3. Motives aren’t clear yet — investigators note possible anger over the family’s legal and financial troubles and some reported political/anarchist views — and officials are still searching his home and devices while asking whether he acted alone.

A Plane Crashed in India—and Everyone Blamed Boeing, But It’s Not So Simple

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
đź“° News Investigations
  1. The Air India crash involved many tragic factors, such as technical issues and possibly pilot error. It highlights how complex aviation accidents can be.
  2. There was a rush to blame Boeing for the crash, even though the reasons might be more complicated. It's important to consider all factors before assigning blame.
  3. Public perception often leans towards blaming manufacturers like Boeing in aviation incidents, showcasing the challenges companies face in managing their reputations.

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

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

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

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

Nonprofits Reap Millions for Organ Transplants. Lawmakers Are Investigating Them.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Some nonprofit organizations that handle organ transplants are being investigated for possible misuse of funds. They might have overcharged Medicare for their services.
  2. Lawmakers are concerned that these nonprofits are not acting in the best interests of the public. They want to make sure these organizations are using donations properly.
  3. The House Ways and Means Committee is looking into these potential issues to maintain trust in the organ donation system and to ensure everything is above board.

Was Epstein's Empire a Kremlin Honeytrap?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 16 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Investigations
  1. The released Epstein documents show more disturbing evidence than expected that many powerful men regularly visited his island and were linked to sexual misconduct.
  2. Bold claims that Epstein was a Kremlin 'honeytrap' or Putin’s wealth manager are dramatic but remain unproven and deserve caution and further investigation.
  3. Large counts of Putin mentions in the files often come from forwarded news clippings, so raw mention totals don’t by themselves prove a direct personal connection.

Lawyer for Epstein "victim" threatens to sue me!

Michael Tracey • 81 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
đź“° News Investigations
  1. A lawyer threatened to sue over publication of an alleged Epstein victim's name, citing foreign law and vague legal claims that likely don't apply in the U.S. where First Amendment protections usually allow such disclosure.
  2. The woman named, Audrey Raimbault (aka Audrey Semeraro), appears in public records and flight logs, sent a supportive email to Epstein in 2019, and later received a settlement from his estate, which raises questions about her status and the public interest in disclosure.
  3. Lawyers representing Epstein "survivors" are pressing to control or veto release of the "Epstein Files" while also pursuing litigation tied to the same network, creating conflicts of interest and fueling concerns about secrecy versus transparency.

A Note from Bari—and Our Best Deal of the Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 92 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
đź“° News Investigations
  1. A strong sense of gratitude for the team and the growing reader community, celebrating how their supporters make the work possible.
  2. A big expansion in content and reach, including new podcasts, columnists, livestreams, an app, live events, major investigations, and a partnership to reach more people.
  3. A direct call to become a paid subscriber with a limited 25% off first-year offer (and a gift option), framed as a way to join a large community committed to plain-speaking journalism.

Minnesota Governor on ICE?

Who is Robert Malone • 25 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation in mid‑January 2026 into Governor Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials, issuing grand‑jury subpoenas to probe possible obstruction of ICE enforcement. No charges have been filed yet as investigators seek documents and testimony about intent and coordination.
  2. Leaked Signal chat screenshots and social posts allege a coordinated 'ICE Watch' network that tracked, doxxed, and directed activists to impede ICE agents, with some claims tying organizers to state figures; those links and the chats’ authenticity have not been forensically verified. Crowdsourced tracking tools like ICEBlock were reportedly used to follow agents and were later removed from app stores.
  3. The controversy is part of a wider clash between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary‑style local policies, made hotter by fatal shootings during protests and large federal raids tied to fraud probes. Legal experts say winning obstruction charges would be difficult because prosecutors must prove corrupt intent, and many critics view the inquiry as highly politicized.

Timeline: The Sabotage of the Clinton Foundation Investigation

The Reactionary • 61 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Leadership at the DOJ and FBI undermined the Clinton Foundation probe early on, causing the investigation to stall.
  2. Prosecutors and agency officials refused cooperation and delayed release of key materials and witness interviews, which obstructed investigative progress across administrations.
  3. Newly disclosed internal records and related reports suggest high-level corruption or incompetence helped protect alleged Clinton influence-for-money schemes.

J6 Pipe Bomber Skepticism: Justified?

The Reactionary • 40 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Video and gait comparisons are weak evidence because posture, arm movement, stress, and camera angles can change how someone walks or uses a phone.
  2. Inferring mental incapacity from casual observations is unreliable. A mild autism diagnosis can cause awkward social behavior while also giving traits like focus and planning that could enable the alleged actions.
  3. The strongest case elements are a detailed confession plus corroborating records, like verified purchases and location data that place the person in the area, even if cell-tower data isn’t perfectly precise.

Biggest Trump Indictment Takeaways

SHERO • 569 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Former President Donald Trump charged with 37 felony counts involving classified information.
  2. Trump facing 31 counts of violating the Espionage Act and other charges for obstruction of justice.
  3. Allegations indicate Trump stored classified documents in unsecured locations and shared them with unauthorized individuals.

Donald Trump and AG Pam Bondi Have Just Put Themselves Into An Epic Epstein Catch-22 That No One Is Talking About Yet

Proof • 61 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Reopening the Epstein investigation has added procedural constraints and public scrutiny that make quietly burying or shielding files much harder.
  2. That move creates a catch-22 for Trump and AG Pam Bondi: any overt attempt to hide records would heighten suspicion and legal exposure, while leaving the probe open risks more damaging revelations.
  3. Commonly suggested secretive gambits in the press now look unlikely to work, because the way the inquiry was restarted reduces the plausible paths for suppressing the Epstein files.

“Smoking Gun” Documents Point to CIA Machinations in JFK Assassination

Public • 236 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. The newly released documents about George Joannides show that the CIA had more knowledge about Lee Harvey Oswald than previously admitted. This changes the narrative about the JFK assassination and the 'lone gunman' theory.
  2. The evidence suggests that the CIA monitored Oswald closely, contradicting earlier claims that they had minimal information about him before the assassination. This calls into question the integrity of past investigations.
  3. Investigative journalist Gerald Posner, who argued for the lone gunman theory, now faces challenges to his claims as new information emerges that complicates the official story of JFK's assassination.

The JFK Assassination “Smoking Gun” That Wasn’t

Public • 196 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of JFK, and there's no solid evidence that the CIA was involved in planning or executing it.
  2. Past government investigations into the JFK assassination were mishandled, leading to public distrust and conspiracy theories because of the secrecy surrounding the investigation.
  3. Recent claims about CIA officer George Joannides show that while he monitored Oswald, there’s no direct evidence linking him or the CIA to JFK's murder.

How the Sadistic Sex Games Trump and Epstein Played During a Seventeen-Year Friendship—As Told By Epstein Himself—Reveal the Epstein Secrets Trump Is Hiding

Proof • 141 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Trump and Epstein had a long friendship that reportedly involved disturbing sexual activities. This relationship raises serious concerns about Trump's character.
  2. Epstein's accounts suggest that there are deep secrets about Trump that he might be hiding. These revelations could have significant implications.
  3. The information presented is based on eyewitness accounts and brings to light troubling aspects of their friendship, highlighting the need for critical examination.

December 20, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. A new law required the Department of Justice to publish all Jeffrey Epstein–related records within 30 days, but the DOJ released only a small portion, omitted key materials like survivor interviews and internal memos, and missed the deadline.
  2. The released documents were heavily redacted, some files disappeared, and unrelated public photos of figures like Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross were inserted, all of which suggest manipulation and undermine claims of transparency.
  3. Democratic lawmakers say the DOJ and the administration are violating the law and are exploring legal options, and critics argue the actions amount to shielding allies and treating Congress and voters with contempt.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

Aaron Mate • 256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

Hunte(d) Biden

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Republicans in the House plan to investigate the Biden family, especially focusing on Hunter Biden, which they believe will hurt President Biden politically.
  2. Despite some poor decisions made by Hunter Biden, there's no solid proof of illegal activities involving him or his father regarding their business dealings in Ukraine.
  3. There are concerns that the investigations could backfire on Republicans, as many see targeting someone with addiction issues as cruel and not resonating well with the public.

The Bear Cave #207

The Bear Cave • 536 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Investigations
  1. New activist reports reveal concerns in for-profit education and mental health industries
  2. Recent resignations of executives from various companies highlight shifting leadership dynamics
  3. Tweets of the week share insights on alleged financial misconduct and leadership controversies

Chinese Control Over U.S. Oil And Gas At Heart Of Biden Family Influence Peddling, New Whistleblower Reveals

Public • 464 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations
  1. Recent whistleblower testimony reveals investors from China, Mexico, and Kazakhstan buying political influence with President Joe Biden through his family, centering on control over U.S. oil and gas.
  2. Republicans are facing challenges in their impeachment probe of President Biden, with reliance on questionable witnesses such as incarcerated individuals like Jason Galanis and Alexander Smirnov, who have provided inconsistent information.
  3. Hunter Biden's involvement in business dealings with Chinese companies, linked to his family connections, has raised concerns about influence peddling and the use of his family name for financial gain.