The hottest Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

It’s Time for Former Trump Officials to Come Out Against Him

Bulwark+ • 8196 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Former Trump officials are speaking out against him, highlighting his moral depravity and incompetence.
  2. There is a need for these officials to reach out to more people, especially swing voters, to convey the dangers of a Trump presidency.
  3. Former Trump officials should come together and make a sustained effort to speak out against him, prioritizing the truth over partisan loyalties.

Europe needs better rockets

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Policy
  1. A single planning objection can kill local projects like a neighbourhood battery. This shows how complaints can waste council resources and block useful energy infrastructure.
  2. Europe needs its own independent rocket launch capability so it can reliably access space for industry, science, and future growth.
  3. Reliable, abundant energy is what makes modern life possible. Arguing for technologies like nuclear can help counter degrowth ideas and protect prosperity.

If You Can't Leave The Grid, Be The Grid

OK Doomer • 245 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Keep working and polish your ideas until they matter; recognition often comes after repeated rejection and proves you can overcome doubt.
  2. Expect serious climate and institutional disruptions this decade, so adapt now instead of waiting for others to save you.
  3. Learn practical, community-focused skills—like electrical work, plumbing, or emergency care—to keep systems running and help people rather than falling into despair.

Getting serious about wage theft

Popular Information • 6918 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Over $203 million in wages were stolen from workers in New York between 2017 and 2021, with the most theft happening in industries like restaurants, health care, and construction.
  2. New York lawmakers are introducing bills to combat wage theft by suspending licenses, certificates, and issuing stop-work orders for businesses that violate wage laws.
  3. States like California and Colorado are also taking action against wage theft by holding accountable large companies and subcontractors who exploit workers by stealing wages.
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BOOM: LVT Candidates Get Elected - Landscape #5

Progress and Poverty • 2155 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. More candidates who support land value tax (LVT) are being elected, like mayors in Seattle and Buffalo. This shows that LVT is gaining traction in local politics.
  2. Katie Wilson's victory in Seattle is significant as she plans to push for LVT, making her city a leader in property tax reform.
  3. There is a growing conversation about LVT across the country, with more media coverage and legislative proposals, indicating it's becoming a mainstream topic.

Everything Is Awesome!

Bulwark+ • 6662 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The article discusses Joe Biden's age and America's last free election.
  2. The Bulwark is more of a mission and family than a media company.
  3. The post delves into a darker perspective on Biden's presidency.

Activism, Uncensored: Operation Resurrection

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1368 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Justice Department has largely stopped prosecuting FACE Act violations and pardoned people convicted under it, significantly weakening federal enforcement against clinic blockades.
  2. Randall Terry is leading a new coalition called "Operation Resurrection" aiming to revive the clinic-blockade tactics he used with Operation Rescue.
  3. The original Operation Rescue group has disavowed him, but the new movement already staged a Planned Parenthood blockade in Memphis and held training sessions to teach blockade tactics.

Noah Smith Needs to (& Many Others Need to) Listen to Claudia Goldin & Eddie Cornelius: Treat Her Like a Lady to Raise the TFR

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Policy
  1. Falling birth rates are mainly a social problem tied to gender roles and cultural expectations, not just economics or technology.
  2. Big baby bonuses can raise fertility but would be prohibitively expensive and politically difficult, so cash-only solutions are unlikely to restore replacement-level births.
  3. A better approach is changing men’s behavior and social norms—encouraging supportive partners, de-emphasizing macho 'bro' status, and raising the pay and status of caregiving—so motherhood fits with women's economic choices.

Remember When The Media Told Us To Ignore Science And Not Even Question COVID Policies?

Unmasked • 37 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. Masks do not work to stop respiratory viruses or prevent infections, according to the argument made.
  2. High mask use in places like South Korea, Japan, and major U.S. cities coincided with big COVID surges and is cited as evidence that masks failed to stop outbreaks.
  3. Major media outlets and public-health leaders discouraged questioning mask mandates, promoting ideological conformity instead of open scientific debate.

Why Wall Street is Surrendering to Trump

Bulwark+ • 6584 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Big business on Wall Street is aligning with Trump for venality, self-interest, and fear, even though they know he threatens democratic norms.
  2. Business elites view Trump as good for their bottom line despite his threats and autocratic tendencies.
  3. Trump's return could lead to increased government control to punish dissent, targeting industries and businesses that oppose his views.

Joni Ernst, Iowa, and the GOP Circa 2024

Bulwark+ • 7036 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Senator Joni Ernst's shifting statements on the Capitol riot raise questions about GOP's stance on insurrection.
  2. Republican voters in Iowa support Trump despite controversies, but significant percentages may not in the general election.
  3. GOP's willingness to stand by Trump, despite potential criminal charges, signals a concerning trend for the party's future.

Trump's Immigration Nightmare Needs to Be Opposed - So Where is the Opposition's Policy?

Freddie deBoer • 5290 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Trump's focus on immigration has been a strong point of his political agenda, and he has popular support for it. The way he talks about immigration connects directly to his actions in office.
  2. The Democratic Party lacks a clear immigration policy or plan to counter Trump's rhetoric. They have slogans and criticisms, but nothing concrete to propose.
  3. The Democratic Party seems more focused on opposing Trump rather than presenting their own ideas and solutions. This has led to a lack of coherence in their stance on immigration and other issues.

A rough flu season may be taking shape

Your Local Epidemiologist • 1922 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🏥 Health Politics Policy
  1. This flu season might get tough. A new flu strain has mutated, making vaccines less effective, so getting your flu shot is crucial.
  2. There's a rise in infant botulism cases linked to a baby formula. Parents should stop using any ByHeart products and keep an eye on their babies for symptoms.
  3. Canada lost its measles elimination status, which could affect the U.S. too. It's a reminder about the importance of vaccinations for everyone, especially for protecting young kids.

Gaming and Prediction Markets

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Prediction markets about real-world outcomes like housing, elections, or product release dates create useful, liquid signals that help buyers, sellers, developers, and policymakers make better decisions and manage risk.
  2. Sports prediction markets are largely entertainment and a zero-sum form of gambling that doesn’t advance economic decision-making or reduce societal uncertainty.
  3. Policy should distinguish between entertainment gambling and valuable prediction markets, with sports regulated under state gambling laws while enabling economic and political markets through clear legislation or federal guidance rather than leaving it to the courts.

Good News: Progressive Advocacy Groups Have Been Found Not Guilty By A Progressive Advocacy Group

Singal-Minded • 978 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Democrats need to clarify their messages and define their core values to attract more voters. Not having a clear stance can hurt their chances during elections.
  2. A strategy called "inclusive populism" suggests that Democrats focus on economic inequality instead of moderating their positions on hot issues. This approach might not appeal to voters who care about other concerns, like immigration.
  3. It's important for Democrats to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes, such as handling border issues poorly, rather than ignore them. Recognizing these problems can help shape better policies in the future.

Unsticking Argentina

Doomberg • 5697 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Javier Milei has started implementing drastic economic changes in Argentina, which have already resulted in a reduction in government spending and inflation.
  2. Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation is crucial for boosting oil production, and Milei is encouraging investment in this area to increase the country's oil output significantly.
  3. Despite the positive changes, Milei faces a tough challenge with existing debts that could affect his plans for economic growth and stability.

Monthly Roundup #36: November 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1702 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Google is teaming up with Polymarket to add prediction market odds to its search engine, showing the growing importance of these markets in information and finance.
  2. There's a lot of practical advice for young people on building relationships, staying healthy, and making positive life choices that can lead to success.
  3. Current trends in social media indicate that many platforms are focusing on short-form video content, which may be less beneficial for meaningful engagement compared to text or longer articles.

Four reasons not to vote for Trump, and four reasons to vote for Harris

Noahpinion • 20235 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Voting for Trump might increase threats from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Many believe a leader needs to focus on these global challenges instead of internal conflicts.
  2. The people who tend to work with Trump often end up leaving or criticizing him. This raises concern about who would truly be in charge of the country if he were elected again.
  3. Kamala Harris is expected to continue the policies that have helped improve the economy recently, and she brings a more optimistic and patriotic tone to the Democratic party.

Pardon Me, But This Is Bullshit

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 17954 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  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.

The EPA's Incredible $20 Billion Dollar Caper, Explained

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 13401 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The EPA allegedly parked $20 billion of taxpayer money with an outside financial institution, which raised concerns about accountability. People are worried because this is the first time something like this has happened at the EPA.
  2. There seems to be a rush to commit this money without proper oversight, which means mistakes could happen. Many believe this can lead to misuse or corruption.
  3. This situation highlights the need for more transparency and scrutiny within government financial practices. It's crucial for citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being managed.

Mike Huckabee Is A Deranged Armageddon Cultist

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 6733 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Mike Huckabee's text to Trump emphasizes a strong religious belief in his role as a servant, suggesting a deep connection between power and faith. This raises questions about the influence of religious fanaticism in politics.
  2. The tensions with Iran are more about power and control than actual threats from nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Israel seek to dominate the region, regardless of Iran's nuclear ambitions.
  3. People can be misled by political figures, but it's important to recognize when you've been fooled. Admitting mistakes is a key step towards understanding the truth and reshaping your beliefs.

All Our Elections are Stolen. It is Why Nothing Works Without Money Printing

Welcome to Absurdistan • 5208 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The post discusses how elections are being manipulated through various techniques like multiple voter IDs, dead people voting, and ineligible ballots being cast.
  2. There is a focus on the impact of cheating in elections, stating that it can make the country ungovernable and lead to financial instability.
  3. The role of money printing in sustaining the economy is highlighted, suggesting that policies like climate regulation and diversity initiatives may have negative economic impacts.

Ex-CIA Chief John Brennan Should Be Sent to Mars

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

Dunkelflauten Clusters (aka Winter)

Gordian Knot News • 168 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. Dunkelflauten—multi-day clusters of very low wind and solar—can last weeks and stress the grid far more than average capacity factors indicate.
  2. Detailed hour-by-hour, multi-year weather modeling shows a pure wind/solar/battery/hydrogen system for Germany needs massive overbuild and nearly 50,000 GWh of H2 storage, causing huge curtailment and very high electricity costs.
  3. Real-world constraints like missing north–south transmission, low gas reserves, and storage limits make heavy reliance on intermittents and LNG/hydrogen risky, while a nuclear-centered plan would likely be cheaper and cleaner.

McCarthy's sham impeachment inquiry.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 9650 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The impeachment inquiry by McCarthy is a sham without any concrete basis, causing distraction and harm to Congress and the American people.
  2. Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump, highlighting the need to ensure US election security before the 2024 elections.
  3. Child poverty nearly doubled due to the termination of pandemic-related economic assistance by Senator Joe Manchin and Republicans.

Top Links 977 Copper, copper, copper. How Americans feel about AI & dumbing down pop.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
💰 Finance Policy
  1. Copper is a major focus, suggesting shifts or stresses in the copper market are driving attention and debate.
  2. Public attitudes toward AI and worries about popular culture getting "dumber" are highlighted, showing cultural and technological anxieties.
  3. Income inequality is reshaping US consumption: the top 20% of households now account for about 39% of all spending and are even more concentrated in certain new categories.

Rich businessmen have remembered they're Republicans

Slow Boring • 5051 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Biden administration announced new regulatory caps on overdraft fees to protect consumers from financial exploitation.
  2. CEOs like Jamie Dimon are more concerned with business-friendly regulations for profit than political ideologies.
  3. The Biden administration's stance on bank regulation highlights a shift in priorities from the Trump era.

A low point

The Crucial Years • 817 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Policy
  1. There’s a clear sense of being at a low point and feeling emotionally strained.
  2. There’s cautious hope that things will get better, but that optimism is tentative and uncertain.
  3. The content is behind a paywall and only available to paid subscribers, requiring subscription or sign-in to access.

Welcome to Boomland

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5831 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Boomland, a fireworks emporium in Missouri, serves as a symbol of American complexities and fears.
  2. The region, historically marked by the New Madrid earthquake zone, faces a looming threat of catastrophic seismic activity.
  3. The author reflects on the state of America, the government's handling of crises, and the need for individuals to define moral principles amidst chaos.

Brute force in the service of religious nationalism

Today's Edition Newsletter • 9159 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. The Court's majority issued decisions in fake controversies, reducing the rule of law to brute force in the service of religious nationalism.
  2. The ruling in 303 Creative allows businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people, causing harm and injustice.
  3. In another case, the Court overlooked jurisdiction issues to disadvantage Black Americans, particularly affecting Black women with student loan debt.

Why Japan opened itself up to immigration

Noahpinion • 13059 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy
  1. Japan used to be very strict about immigration for a long time, unlike many other rich countries. But starting around 2010, Japan began allowing more immigrants into the country.
  2. Despite not taking in many immigrants for years, Japan had a good quality of life during the 1990s and 2000s. However, the country faced issues like low wages and living standards, which led them to change their immigration policies.
  3. Many people think Japan is unique because of its racial homogeneity, but it's actually similar to other developed countries in how it deals with immigration. It's important not to create myths about Japan that could mislead other countries.

Human Nature, Nick Fuentes, Education Exchange

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🚌 Education Policy
  1. Humans are relatively monogamous compared with chimpanzees and gorillas, with an estimated monogamy rating around two-thirds.
  2. Mainstream media show ideological blindspots, so tools that compare coverage and highlight underreported stories can help readers spot bias and find missing reporting.
  3. Recent studies link social exposure, personality, and political beliefs: wealthy people’s local exposure to poor neighbors can reduce their support for redistribution, personality traits predict everyday behaviors, and sizable minorities in parts of the Republican coalition hold distorted views of the Holocaust.