The hottest Political violence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Political Violence Happens Because We Let It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 765 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Political violence is on the rise due to various ideologies motivating individuals to commit violent acts. Many recent events show how political beliefs can lead to extreme actions.
  2. The history of political violence in the U.S. has repeating patterns, similar to what the country experienced in the 1960s and 70s. This pattern includes assassinations, riots, and domestic terrorism.
  3. Despite the increase in other forms of crime, political violence has become less common for a while, making its return today surprising to many younger people.

January 6, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. MAGA rhetoric treats democratic defeats as illegitimate and encourages silencing opponents, erasing opposing policies, and rewriting events like the January 6 attack.
  2. Recent Democratic policies delivered measurable domestic improvements—more jobs, falling inflation, rising wages, and lower violence—but the current administration is dismantling those gains and reversing that progress.
  3. The administration’s foreign policy breaks with the post‑WWII rules‑based order by threatening allies, using military force, and seeking control over other countries’ resources, which is provoking international alarm and instability.

Approaching the Precipice

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. An ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a Minneapolis protest, and video and witness accounts suggest she was not a threat while some right‑wing figures defended the shooting as self‑defense. There are fears this incident could be used or even staged to provoke violence and justify invoking the Insurrection Act and martial law.
  2. Right‑wing leaders and literature have been systematically dehumanizing political opponents, treating them as less than human and making extreme violence easier to justify. This pattern echoes past genocides and raises real danger of targeted mass violence against people for their politics, identity, or beliefs.
  3. A deliberate psychological campaign—through trauma, constant propaganda, and emotional mimicry—has entrained many people to accept dictated ‘‘truths’’ and reflexively follow leaders. With democratic institutions weakened, people are being urged to build a mass nonviolent movement, but many feel unsure how to effectively respond.

Democrats Weaponized FBI To Falsely Claim White Supremacists Posed Greater Terror Threat Than Radical Islamists

Public • 528 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The FBI has claimed that white supremacists are the biggest terrorism threat, but this claim lacks solid evidence. Many believe that radical Islamist violence is actually a bigger concern.
  2. A recent terrorist attack in New Orleans was carried out by someone motivated by radical Islamic beliefs. This incident contradicts the FBI's focus on white supremacy as the main threat.
  3. The government agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have consistently highlighted white supremacist violence, raising questions about their motives and the accuracy of their assessments.

The Enigma of Luigi Mangione

The Ruffian • 528 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Luigi Mangione, the man who committed a murder in a protest against healthcare, was from a wealthy background and had no history of being wronged by the system. His actions don't fit the narrative of fighting for the oppressed.
  2. Despite being celebrated by some leftist circles, Mangione was more of a liberal centrist with interests that aligned with rational thought and skepticism, which contrasts sharply with his violent act.
  3. The public's reaction to Mangione's actions shows a troubling acceptance of political violence. This could encourage more similar actions, leading to a dangerous cycle of justifying violence in political discourse.
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A woman is not a person, not in this America

Men Yell at Me • 214 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Women are facing increasing violence and discrimination in America, which is reflected in recent events. This shows a troubling pattern where women's rights are being undermined.
  2. E Jean Carroll's new book is a powerful way to take control of her own story and fight back against the narrative used against her. It mixes serious themes with personal touches, making it both relatable and impactful.
  3. The fight for women's and immigrant rights is part of a larger struggle against a system that wants to enforce traditional roles and suppress those who challenge them. Understanding this can help us see the bigger issues at play.

Charlie Kirk and a Failed Culture War

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 18 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The Republican push to sanctify Charlie Kirk after his assassination failed to take hold, as internet mockery and new headlines quickly erased reverence.
  2. Conservative leaders’ cruel reactions to an ICE agent shooting an unarmed woman revealed stark hypocrisy and undercut claims of moral superiorit y.
  3. ICE’s plunging approval shows that MAGA cannot simply manufacture cultural consent, and opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement has become more politically viable.

Sunday Strip: The Antifa Express -

Who is Robert Malone • 17 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. A picture-heavy, provocative presentation that frames Antifa as a dramatic, threatening force.
  2. Many graphic or shocking images are included and labeled with a trigger warning to emphasize the disturbing visuals.
  3. It’s published as a Substack newsletter piece that asks readers to subscribe and share and displays reader engagement counts.

December 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The week highlighted deep political chaos and weakening governing norms, with violent events, an administration riddled with internal dysfunction, and leaders relying on fear and loyalty over steady governance.
  2. The president’s panicked rhetoric and policies reflect the collapse of long-standing conservative economic promises, damaging public trust and undermining earlier economic gains.
  3. Key institutions and the rule of law are under strain as officials withhold records, heavily redact important documents, pursue aggressive foreign actions, and display power grabs that coincide with cracks in the Republican coalition.

Stop Lionizing/Villainizing Victims

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Whether a victim was "good" or "bad" doesn't change the fact of their killing; what matters are the concrete facts of the incident.
  2. Both sides rush to recast victims to fit their narratives — some demonize, others idealize — and that polarization distorts public judgment.
  3. Video can clarify what happened, but photos and clips are often edited or faked and spread widely, which fuels misinformation and makes finding the truth harder.

The Pelosi Attack

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The attack on Paul Pelosi highlighted serious social issues in America, like rising homelessness and mental illness. Many people affected by these problems can often go unnoticed and unaddressed.
  2. Political leaders used the incident to push their agendas without really discussing the root causes of the attack. Both sides missed the chance to focus on the real social issues at stake.
  3. Homelessness and untreated mental illness are growing problems in big cities, and there aren't enough resources to help everyone in need. This shows a failure in the system that needs urgent attention.

The Loser Triad

Thinking about... • 304 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. When Trump loses, he has a pattern: he claims he actually won. This usually happens soon after the votes are counted.
  2. He often files lawsuits against the election results, sometimes even before the election is over.
  3. Trump might encourage violence around election day. If he declares victory early, it's a sign he likely lost.

Fellow believers or fellow citizens?

Wrong Side of History • 237 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Many people feel anxious about political divisions in America today. There's a lot of talk about how this divide might be getting worse.
  2. The idea of a 'Cold Civil War' is being used to describe the deep ideological splits in the country. Despite this, actual civil war seems unlikely.
  3. There have been violent incidents lately, like assassination attempts, that contribute to fears of increasing violence and division in society.

Not all political violence has the same implications

America in Crisis • 79 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Not all political violence has the same implications - January 6 violence poses a more serious threat than typical riots
  2. Violence caused by social contagion-promulgated radicalization is different from violence motivated by personal enmity - BLM protests and Mullins' threat are illustrative examples
  3. Understanding the categories of political violence, such as those influenced by social contagion or elite faction dynamics, can shed light on the underlying causes and potential implications

Trump's Rob Reiner Tweet Technically Could Have Been Worse

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The apparent murder of Rob Reiner and his wife is horrific and tragic, and Reiner was a talented, well-loved filmmaker whose loss will be deeply felt.
  2. The president’s public message about the killings came off as callous, and the White House amplifying it suggested institutional approval that a communications team should have prevented.
  3. It’s plausible the posted message was a sanitized version of something far worse, highlighting a pattern of vindictiveness and a communications staff trying to limit damage.

Reflections on the Land League

Robert's Reflections • 19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💾 History Political violence
  1. The Land League in 19th-century Ireland campaigned for land redistribution to address economic disparities, offering lessons for modern movements.
  2. The Land League's tactics included boycotting land agents and enforcing the 'three Fs' - free sale, fixity of tenure, and fair rent - leading to successful reform actions.
  3. Lessons from the Land League include the importance of diverse demographics, strong leadership, funding strategies, persistence, and the organic development of movements in Ireland.

The First in a Series about Another Civil War

Think Future • 19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Cassidy Steele Dale is starting a series on sensitive topics to equip readers with the skills needed to create a better world.
  2. The author will review Alex Garland's film _Civil War_ and discuss why they believe a second American Civil War is not imminent.
  3. Readers are encouraged to explore the author's previous scenarios on American democracy to understand the possible futures and outcomes.

The Tinkerer

Unpopular Front • 98 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer, seemed like a normal guy from a good family, with a stable social life and a well-educated background. However, a serious back injury and frustration with the medical system might have pushed him towards violence.
  2. His interests were surprisingly typical for a young tech worker, like reading famous dystopian novels and discussing future tech, which doesn't usually lead to extreme actions. This shows how regular people can sometimes make shocking choices when feeling lost.
  3. The situation reflects a larger issue in society, where many young, successful individuals feel disconnected and frustrated with the current system. This emotional struggle can drive some to act out in desperate and dangerous ways.

Barbie and Ken's Treason Tour

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 07 Jun 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Gaetz and Greene's tour is trying to stir up anger among their supporters. They are using shocking statements to get attention and rally their base.
  2. Their events have low attendance, showing that not everyone is buying into their message. But they continue to ramp up their rhetoric to keep the media interested.
  3. There are concerns about the threats of political violence in their messages. Many feel that this could lead to dangerous situations, reminding people of past violence in politics.

Trying to intimidate journalists is wrong

Unreported Truths • 31 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Intimidating journalists is not okay. Everyone should be able to share their work without fear of government retaliation.
  2. Even if you disagree with a journalist's point of view, supporting their right to speak is important for free speech.
  3. The First Amendment is crucial for allowing different ideas and opinions to exist, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.

June 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. A gunman attacked Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, killing two and injuring others, which raises concerns about political violence in the country.
  2. In response, millions of Americans participated in peaceful protests against Trump’s authority, showing a strong rejection of his leadership style.
  3. Trump's recent statements and policies regarding immigration are unpopular, reflecting a decline in his support and suggesting that his power may be weakening.

The Controlled Explosion

Adjacent Possible • 150 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💾 History Political violence
  1. Stories about unintended consequences are captivating to readers.
  2. Innovation often leads to collaborative efforts, but sometimes is driven by a single individual.
  3. Technological advancements give more power to smaller groups, which could lead to increased political violence.

June 16, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. A man named Vance Boelter targeted politicians, leading to serious charges against him. The motive behind his actions is still unclear, but he planned the attacks for a long time.
  2. Some political figures reacted insensitively to the tragedy, joking or making false claims, which upset many people. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the human impact of the violence.
  3. Trump's participation in the G7 meeting raised questions about his health and capability as a leader. His team is also focusing on business ventures, like a new mobile phone service, while changes in policy seem chaotic.

Will the streets run red?

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. There are groups in the U.S. that share some ideas with fascism but have not become fully fascist. Their use of street violence is more common in many political movements than we think.
  2. Street fighters in right-wing movements have not been as successful recently. They've struggled to connect with mainstream politics and have not organized effectively after events like January 6.
  3. Fascist movements can emerge in specific environments but need strong organization to thrive. Right now, there aren’t enough dedicated groups ready to act on their beliefs, despite a rise in far-right ideas.

Do Americans need an insurgency-in-waiting?

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 10 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. It's important to think about when it's necessary to use force against a leader who is acting like a tyrant. If a leader becomes lawless and dismisses democratic procedures, it might be time to think about rebellion.
  2. Having discussions about using violence as a last resort makes some people uncomfortable, but avoiding this conversation doesn't help either. The goal should be to plan for peace while being prepared for serious threats.
  3. A strong, organized, and peaceful movement can be much more effective than resorting to violence. History shows that nonviolent protests can succeed in toppling authoritarian regimes, and it's crucial for the opposition to build a robust strategy for ongoing civic engagement.

The True Darkness of Cancel Culture

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Cancel culture is more than just public figures losing jobs, it's a mentality that can lead to extreme consequences.
  2. Turning disagreements into attacks on a person rather than their arguments can lead down a dark path.
  3. The cancel culture mentality is part of a broader authoritarian mindset, and can ultimately result in violence and even assassination attempts.

How Big is the Threat?

Diane Francis • 119 implied HN points • 13 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. There's a serious threat of domestic terrorism in America, and the size and nature of this threat are not well understood. This creates risks for public events, like the Inauguration.
  2. Many political and security experts suggest that America needs better laws to track and manage domestic terrorism, similar to what other countries have in place.
  3. The infiltration of extremist groups into law enforcement poses additional challenges. This complicates the ability to effectively monitor and respond to these threats.

The Cosmopolitan Globalist Election Fandango

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 12 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. The recent election result signals a significant shift in American politics, suggesting that Trump may reflect deeper national sentiments rather than being an anomaly. This means people might see Trump’s behavior as more acceptable.
  2. There's growing concern about political violence and instability in the U.S. Many people feel anxious about the state of democracy and worry about potential violence surrounding elections.
  3. The Democratic Party seems to be struggling to connect with voters, and their decisions may have contributed to their unpopularity. The challenges they face include changing dynamics in society and issues like economic discontent and cultural divides.

'Declaration of War': Right-wing calls for violence are coming from the mainstream

Weaponized • 42 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political violence
  1. Mainstream right-wing figures are promoting violence and incendiary rhetoric, not just fringe groups.
  2. Specific calls for violence and war, even including time and location details, are being made by prominent political figures on social media.
  3. Acceptance of violence among political elites, dissemination of conspiracies, and lack of resources in addressing domestic terrorism pose a serious threat to American democracy and public safety.

Candles and Kalshnikovs.

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Political violence
  1. Understanding the reasons behind violent political acts is crucial. Many people fail to recognize that violence can often be a rational tool used by groups to achieve their goals.
  2. Liberal ideologies may overlook the complexities of violence, reducing it to issues of poverty or evil individuals. This misses the deeper motivations and societal factors that drive violence.
  3. The detachment of certain groups from the realities of violent conflicts can lead to a lack of awareness and preparation for future threats. True understanding requires confronting uncomfortable truths and engaging with complex ideological issues.