The hottest Trump administration Substack posts right now

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

EXCLUSIVE: The Last INTSUM of the Trump Administration!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 1646 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Trump's national security team received warnings about ANTIFA, BLM, and COVID-19 but did not take action on them. This raises questions about decision-making during critical times.
  2. A group called Project Sentinel aims to share intelligence and insights on national security, highlighting concerns about the government's actions against citizens.
  3. Only certain subscribers will access exclusive intelligence summaries from the last days of the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of this information for understanding past events.

Would you rather have cheap energy, or stupid culture wars?

Noahpinion • 38588 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The proposed budget bill includes new taxes on solar and wind energy, which could make energy more expensive for Americans. This might hurt the growth of renewable energy sources that could help reduce electricity costs.
  2. By raising taxes on clean energy technologies, the bill could lead to job losses in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. This is particularly concerning for regions that have benefited economically from these industries.
  3. The bill reflects a broader cultural battle against non-fossil fuel energy. Its supporters seem more focused on ideological beliefs than on economic or environmental benefits, which could have long-term negative effects on energy prices and reliability.

Hail and Farewell

Bulwark+ • 23585 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. President Biden faced challenges but won't be indicted for classified documents.
  2. Trump's disqualification under the 14th Amendment case didn't go well.
  3. The author reflects on his time at The Bulwark and the importance of independent conservative voices.

Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Was Hijacked by an Antisemite

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 296 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. A presidential Religious Liberty Commission was set up to defend religious freedom and held public hearings with legal advisers appointed to offer diverse perspectives.
  2. The commission’s antisemitism hearing included powerful testimony from Jewish witnesses about rising discrimination and threats to their safety.
  3. That antisemitism hearing was hijacked by an antisemite, showing how Jew‑hate can infiltrate religious forums and why people should be wary of those who use faith to spread it.
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Update: Bolton Raided, Leak Probe Widens

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7667 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. John Bolton's house was raided by the FBI as part of an investigation into classified leaks. This shows that the legal action regarding these issues is becoming more serious.
  2. The investigation relates to claims that Bolton leaked classified information in his memoir, which Trump accused him of doing. Trump had even tried to stop the book from being published.
  3. Recent deals made with FBI whistleblowers suggest there are ongoing disagreements and tensions within the FBI related to how investigations are being handled.

Exit DeSantis

Bulwark+ • 8078 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign by endorsing Donald Trump, after a campaign that failed due to strategic blunders and lack of appeal.
  2. Donald Trump's recent actions demonstrate admiration for dictators, spreading conspiracy theories, mocking opponents, and continuing aggressive rhetoric.
  3. Republican party dynamics show a strong preference for Trump over other candidates, even if they exhibit extreme behaviors or controversies.

Rhinos All The Way Down

Bulwark+ • 7291 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Republican leaders continue to support Trump despite alarming behavior, leading to a disturbing transformation in the political landscape
  2. The comparison to absurdist literature suggests a prophetic quality in the current political climate
  3. The metaphor of 'rhinos all the way down' reflects the deepening entrenchment in supporting controversial figures

Jack Smith Hits His Stride

The Status Kuo • 12343 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Jack Smith, Special Counsel, is a brilliant prosecutor and a nine-time Iron Man triathlete.
  2. Potential superseding indictment with more charges against Trump and his lawyers, based on new evidence.
  3. Key inner circle witness, Mike Roman, is cooperating with authorities under a 'Queen for a Day' agreement.

How the Grift Works

The Crucial Years • 2531 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The government is trying to make it harder to address climate change, claiming that greenhouse gases aren't dangerous anymore. This is similar to old tricks used by con artists, relying on speed and distractions.
  2. Despite the push to sell more fossil fuels to Europe, there's a lot of skepticism. Europe is moving towards renewable energy, and the U.S. can't possibly meet the unrealistic sales targets being set.
  3. Legal challenges are expected against the government's plans to ignore climate risks. Many people are aware that the science shows climate change is real, and they are ready to fight back.

Chartbook 399: Columbia University, the Trump administration and "ad hoc governance": Iterations of the "Unstate".

Chartbook • 1688 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Columbia University's deal with the Trump administration shows a new way of governing through specific agreements, which raises concerns about fairness and legality.
  2. This kind of deal-making in governance is different from traditional regulation and could undermine the independence of universities and the law.
  3. The idea of governance being shaped by ad hoc deals reflects a bigger trend in how power operates today, impacting not just education but society as a whole.

Donald Trump Sides with Israel—and Rejects the Restrainers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1817 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Donald Trump openly supports Israel and its fight against Iran, showing where he stands on foreign policy. This support is stronger than what many politicians offer.
  2. There's a divide among Trump’s supporters, especially within the Republican Party, regarding how America should engage with the world. Some believe in a more restrained and noninterventionist approach.
  3. The situation reveals ongoing tensions in Trump's administration about the right way to handle foreign relations and military action. This debate is becoming more important as events unfold.

The police militarization debate is over

The Watch • 1474 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The lines between police and military roles are becoming dangerously blurred. Police are meant to keep the peace while soldiers fight enemies, and mixing the two could harm our freedoms.
  2. Donald Trump is seen as creating his own loyal force using police and military resources to serve him rather than the public. This raises concerns about accountability and abuse of power.
  3. Many believe that the courts and laws are not set up to protect citizens against the actions of this new force, leading to fears of a growing authoritarianism in America.

Niall Ferguson: What Comes After Trump’s ‘Surgical Strikes’?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1530 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The term 'surgical strike' suggests a precise, low-casualty military action, appealing to Americans who dislike high military casualties. It implies that complex international issues can be solved quickly and easily.
  2. Historically, 'surgical strike' started as a sarcastic term about the violence of air strikes. It has evolved to mean targeted military actions, especially since precision weapons became more common.
  3. Trump's use of surgical strikes in conflicts aims to show strength and deter future threats while also trying to promote peace. This reflects a desire for decisive actions in foreign policy.

What The US Is Doing To Ukraine Is Far Worse Than Yalta

Phillips’s Newsletter • 254 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to give up territory, resources, and people to Russia, which effectively helps Putin’s dictatorship instead of defending Ukrainian democracy.
  2. Comparing this to Yalta is misleading because Roosevelt was constrained by Soviet control and intended to keep fighting for Polish freedom, while today the U.S. has real options to support Ukraine but is not using them.
  3. What’s happening now is unprecedented and runs against public opinion, as it strengthens an authoritarian regime when the U.S. could be helping Ukraine resist and preserve democracy.

Christopher Caldwell: The Biggest Policy Change of the Century

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Trump's decision to repeal affirmative action is seen as a massive shift in U.S. policy, more impactful than healthcare reforms or pandemic responses.
  2. For decades, affirmative action has been a major strategy for promoting desegregation and supporting minority rights, but it has recently faced growing criticism.
  3. Despite its significance, many mainstream news outlets are downplaying this policy change, treating it as just a minor leadership adjustment.

Newsmax Alert: Punks, Traitors, and Trump’s Metaphoric MAGA Kill Shot on DeSanctimonious

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2122 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Former Trump White House officials have been publicly criticizing Trump, signaling a shift in loyalty for media opportunities.
  2. Criticism towards Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from MAGA supporters for perceived flip-flops and lack of support.
  3. Discussion on historical efforts to undermine Trump's presidency using government agencies like FBI and Department of Justice.

The Long Con Comes To An End

Phillips’s Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The Trump Administration did not follow through on promised sanctions against countries buying Russian oil, leaving them free to continue their business.
  2. Despite claims of supporting Ukraine, the administration's actions have largely weakened Ukraine while benefiting Russia.
  3. Trump's long-term strategy seemed to mislead allies into thinking the U.S. would be tougher on Putin, which has caused confusion and inaction among European states regarding military aid to Ukraine.

Liberal Strategy: Not getting jokes.

Unsafe • 963 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The media often overreacts to everything Trump says, which can sometimes be seen as jokes.
  2. Trump's comments about NATO provoked strong responses from various news outlets and prompted debates about international relations.
  3. The New York Times's response to Trump's remarks was particularly critical, highlighting the potential impact on international order.

Monthly Roundup #27: February 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Trust your instincts about people. If something feels off, it's often right to be cautious.
  2. Effective communication is important. It's better to express your true feelings rather than making up excuses.
  3. Having a strong sense of agency can help you take control of your life. Imagining what actions a more capable person would take can inspire you to act differently.

‘Trump Is the Decider’: Inside the Fight over the Administration’s Iran Policy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. There are two main groups within Trump's political circle: those who want less military involvement and those who support staying engaged, especially with Iran as a key issue.
  2. The debates between these groups are intense because they see the situation in Iran differently, with some viewing it as a risky war while others see it as a necessary fight against a nuclear threat.
  3. Recent comments from significant figures, like Tucker Carlson and Senator Rand Paul, highlight concerns about potential escalation into larger conflicts, indicating the stakes are high.

Announcing: Book on Elite Human Capital

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2145 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The author is working on a book about Elite Human Capital, which aims to explore the differences in leadership and capabilities between groups with high and low human capital.
  2. The book will consist of both revised previous work and new content, with a focus on explaining why understanding human capital is important in today's polarized society.
  3. Current political events tie into the book's themes, highlighting how low human capital can influence leadership choices and decisions in government.

MOAR Pointless Sanewashing of Trump via the Myths of a Rational-Actor "Trump Administration" & a Consistent-Preferences Trump

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 422 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The idea of a 'Trump administration' acting like a rational and consistent entity is misleading. This oversimplifies the complexities of Trump's actual decision-making and relationships.
  2. Putin likely sees any cooperation with Trump as untrustworthy due to the chaotic nature of Trump's leadership. He isn't invested in a relationship based on Trump's inconsistent positions.
  3. Judging Putin's actions based on the false assumption that he misplayed his cards is dangerous. It doesn't accurately reflect the geopolitical realities at play in the Ukraine situation.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Trump's Smoke & Mirrors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 884 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Trump's actions often focus on getting attention rather than creating real change. Many of his plans are more about performance than effective policy.
  2. The media needs to separate Trump's true policies from his showmanship, but many outlets are caught up in the drama instead.
  3. Trump's potential policies could harm the economy, and it's crucial for clear information to be shared so the public can understand the impact.

🆙 A pro-progress Trump agenda: what's realistic?

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. Establishing a Moon base could offer valuable resources and opportunities for economic development. It can also strengthen national security by ensuring access to those resources.
  2. We should let AI develop without heavy regulations so it can flourish like the internet did. Striking a balance between monitoring safety and allowing growth is key.
  3. A focused national policy on AI is important to prevent mixed regulations across states, promoting American leadership in this rapidly evolving field.

Did Trump Just End a War—or Start One?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 403 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. There's a lot of discussion about whether recent military actions will bring peace or create more conflict. People have mixed feelings about it.
  2. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from joy to anger, as many express their political views on these developments.
  3. It’s unclear what the long-term effects of this situation will be. Even officials might not fully understand what's happening right now.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 314 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. There were six separate mass shooting incidents in the United States last week, with a total of 13 people killed and 22 injured. It's crucial to stay informed and advocate for sensible gun reform.
  2. A new cybersecurity warning report reveals stealthy hacks from China into US infrastructure systems. It's essential to be aware of cybersecurity threats.
  3. Ronna McDaniel, the head of the Republican National Committee, is expected to step down. This marks the end of a significant era in the Republican Party.

Trump’s Fed Chair Candidates: Sub-Mediocrity of Moral Character, at Best. & the Worst Plumb the Challenger Deep Along Several Axes

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The candidates for the next Federal Reserve Chair are not impressive and many lack important qualities like intelligence and moral character. This raises concerns about who will make crucial decisions.
  2. Donald Trump's past choices have been criticized as poor, especially regarding the Fed. It's suggested that he should let the Senate choose a more qualified candidate this time.
  3. The current picks are seen as politically driven rather than based on merit, which is troubling for the future of U.S. economic policy.

What Happens Next?

Can We Still Govern? • 993 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. If Trump returns to office, he will likely make major changes to how federal workers are treated, possibly firing many and reclassifying them as political appointees. This could create a government that is less experienced and more loyal to his administration.
  2. Trump's second term may be more organized but still chaotic, with a focus on advancing his goals and possibly reducing regulatory oversight. However, this could lead to a decline in the quality of public services and less effective governance overall.
  3. Corruption might become more common under Trump, with personal interests overlapping with government duties. This could result in conflicts of interest becoming normalized, making it harder to hold him and his administration accountable.

Alert: The Trump administration is quietly slashing new NIH grant awards, and it's not via the budget

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration
  1. The Trump administration's new multi-year funding policy for NIH grants is drastically reducing the number of research grants awarded. This change means many labs might not get funding at all, harming scientific progress.
  2. Previously, about 10% of grant applications were funded, but now that number has dropped to around 4%. This makes it much harder for researchers to secure necessary funding for their projects.
  3. Researchers and the public are encouraged to speak out against this policy. It's important to contact Congress members and local media to raise awareness about the negative impact on medical research and science.