The hottest Trump administration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Monthly Roundup #27: February 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Trump administration Social media Civic engagement Public Policy Effective Altruism
  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.

PROJECT SYNDICATE: Trump's Smoke & Mirrors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 884 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Media Studies Public Policy Trump administration Political Commentary
  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.

Christopher Caldwell: The Biggest Policy Change of the Century

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2810 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Affirmative Action Civil Rights Executive orders 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.

EXCLUSIVE: The Last INTSUM of the Trump Administration!

Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way • 1646 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Trump administration Civil Unrest Political Response
  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.

I Wish Trump Supporters Would Just Throw Us The Occasional Bone Over The Next Few Years

Singal-Minded • 660 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Trump administration Election Analysis Government Policies Cultural Issues
  1. There is a strong divide between Trump supporters and those who oppose him, and it seems difficult to bridge that gap. Many people feel uneasy about the extreme loyalty Trump receives from his supporters.
  2. Unlike how critics discuss Biden and Harris, Trump's actions and comments often go without much criticism from his supporters, who tend to protect him more fiercely.
  3. Trump's blame for recent incidents on diversity requirements reflects his ongoing opposition to DEI initiatives, which some believe can overshadow genuine discussions about hiring practices. It's a complex conversation that needs clarity.
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Meditations in an Emergency

Can We Still Govern? • 375 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Power Trump administration Public Policy
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over important data and government operations, which raises serious concerns about privacy and security. It's crucial to ask who really benefits from this data control.
  2. Musk's push to shut down agencies like USAID is not just about foreign aid; it's a power grab that could undermine democratic systems. Ignorance and conspiracy theories seem to drive his decision-making.
  3. Public servants are standing up against illegal actions from the administration, and they need support from courts, media, and Congress to protect government integrity. These officials are crucial in maintaining checks on power.

Trump, Science, and Academia

Unsafe Science • 116 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Science Policy Academia Health Policy Executive orders
  1. RFK Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns due to his controversial views on vaccines and health policy, even if he has a strong background in environmental law.
  2. Trump's approach to academia, including the emphasis on reducing DEI programs and fighting anti-Semitism, aims to shift the focus back to equal treatment in federal funding and policy, potentially impacting diversity efforts in education.
  3. The pause in federal grants and the disappearing of some scientific data have caused concern about access to information and funding in academia, highlighting the ongoing battle over scientific governance.

Strictly Business

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Trump administration International relations Ukraine conflict
  1. Trump sees Ukraine as a failing business, not a cause to support. He wants to cut his losses and move on rather than help Ukraine.
  2. Russia's relationship with China is strengthening as a result of the war. This shows that America's efforts to weaken Russia have not paid off.
  3. Europe needs to find common ideals and reasons to fight together. Without that, they risk being stuck in a cycle of paying off threats without resolving the bigger issues.

Trump's DeWokification of America has Begun

Unsafe Science • 259 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Changes Political strategy Civil Rights Diversity Issues Trump administration
  1. There's a big push to remove DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs from the federal government. This is seen as a reaction to how these programs have been viewed by some as unfair.
  2. Many people believe that DEI efforts have made certain groups feel alienated. This includes people who see these policies as discriminating against them.
  3. The new executive order doesn't ban all DEI efforts, but it does make sure federal money won't support them unless they comply with anti-discrimination laws.

Trump47 and the Decapitation of the Éminences Grises

Fisted by Foucault • 309 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Executive orders Political strategy Deep State Government Accountability
  1. Trump signed many executive orders on his first day back in office to show he's serious about changes. This was meant to impress both his followers and the world.
  2. One of the key goals for Trump is to reduce the influence of government insiders, often called the 'Deep State'. He believes that without this, his efforts won't last.
  3. Trump took action against former officials he believes manipulated information during the last campaign. He revoked their security clearances as a bold statement against political interference.

Weekend Update #118: The Trump Administration’s Talking Points are Straight from Moscow

Phillips’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Foreign Policy Geopolitics Ukraine conflict
  1. Trump's team seems to be saying things that match Russian ideas about the war. This suggests they might be planning a deal that might not help Ukraine much.
  2. There's evidence that Ukraine is managing to strike Russian oil facilities, which can hurt Russia's economy. This shows Ukraine's strength, even without significant support from the U.S.
  3. Some political figures are spreading negative views about Ukraine's chances, even as the situation on the ground shows that Russia is facing difficulties. This creates a misleading narrative about Ukraine's future.

The Ben Shapiro "Honesty" Hustle

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 203 implied HN points • 15 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Election Analysis Media Critique Political Ethics Trump administration
  1. Donald Trump is often seen as a conman who focuses on personal gain rather than the needs of his supporters. Many people find it ironic that he seeks luxury, like a $400 million private jet, while his followers struggle financially.
  2. Ben Shapiro, a prominent right-wing commentator, has sometimes pointed out Trump’s wrongdoings. However, he continues to support Trump despite these criticisms, which raises questions about his integrity.
  3. The Republican Party has shifted under Trump's influence, seemingly moving away from traditional values to support his more questionable actions, leading to a perception of corruption within the party.

Trump's farcical Gaza plan masks ongoing Israeli-made disaster

Aaron Mate • 160 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Political Analysis Trump administration
  1. Trump's Gaza plan is seen as unrealistic and not genuine. It seems to hide the real problems happening in Gaza.
  2. The issues in Gaza are often linked to actions taken by Israel, making life hard for its people.
  3. Some believe that Trump's plan supports Netanyahu's goals, which could make the situation in Gaza worse.

Exit DeSantis

Bulwark+ • 8078 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Republican party Presidential campaign Trump administration Political Analysis
  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.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

Fisted by Foucault • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Immigration Policy Foreign Policy Economic Policy Trump administration
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.

Rhinos All The Way Down

Bulwark+ • 7291 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Political corruption Republican party Election Analysis Political Extremism
  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

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political strategy Trump administration International relations
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.

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

Faster, Please! • 1279 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration AI Regulation Economic Policy
  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.

What Happens Next?

Can We Still Govern? • 993 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Government Structure Political corruption Public Services Administrative state
  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.

Announcing: Book on Elite Human Capital

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2145 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Election Analysis Human Capital Trump administration Cultural Issues
  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.

The Beginning of the End?

Comment is Freed • 103 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump administration Negotiations Military conflict International relations
  1. There is now a serious push to negotiate peace in the Russo-Ukraine War, which was not happening before. This new effort could change how both sides approach the conflict.
  2. Trump's administration might act as a mediator to help Ukraine and Russia talk directly. The success of these talks will likely depend on how much compromise each side is willing to make.
  3. The immediate goal of the negotiations might be to achieve a ceasefire, as a full peace deal could take much longer to work out. The underlying issues, especially regarding Ukraine's independence, will still need to be addressed later.

Trump Weaponizing Trade, Is An Act Of War, Under International Law.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Policy International relations Political Commentary Trump administration
  1. Trade tactics can be seen as acts of war according to international law. This means that economic strategies might escalate tensions between nations.
  2. Many believe that the US has lost control of its trade policies, leading to a decline in American-made goods and increased economic struggles for workers.
  3. To improve the economy, investing in American workers and lowering costs like rent could help increase consumer buying power and create a more stable economic environment.

January 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Current Events Government Elections Public Safety Trump administration
  1. An American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., leading to a tragic crash with no survivors. It's a reminder of how quickly life can change.
  2. President Trump blamed others for the crash instead of taking responsibility, saying it was due to poor decisions made by previous administrations. This reflects his ongoing criticism of government regulations.
  3. The Trump administration has made significant changes to federal positions and safety protocols, with reports indicating that critical air traffic control operations were understaffed at the time of the accident.

Abolishing the Dept of Education

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Federal Government Trump administration Public funding
  1. Abolishing the Department of Education could mean different things, like removing it while keeping funding the same, or fully taking away its control and funding.
  2. One suggestion is to give education funds directly to states to let them decide how to use the money, which might keep education more local.
  3. Another idea is to create a voucher program, giving parents the choice of where to send their kids for education, potentially including various types of schools.

A Proof / New York Times Conversation on Trump’s Second-Term Foreign Policy and the State of Global Security Post-Biden

Proof • 31 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Global Security Media Analysis Trump administration Biden administration
  1. Independent media is gaining popularity as people seek diverse information sources. Many are turning away from traditional corporate news outlets.
  2. The conversation focuses on former President Trump's potential foreign policy in a second term. It explores how global security may be affected after Biden's presidency.
  3. Understanding different viewpoints is important in discussing political matters. This discussion includes insights from various experts and journalists.

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 Political Commentary Trump administration Conservative media Presidential campaign Government Corruption
  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.

Liberal Strategy: Not getting jokes.

Unsafe • 963 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Trump administration Political alliances International relations Satire
  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.

What did you think they thought?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political division Immigration Policy Trump administration
  1. There is a growing divide between Trump's tech supporters and traditional MAGA fans. This shows how complex and conflicted the political landscape can be within the same party.
  2. Racist comments have emerged regarding high-skill immigration, highlighting tensions within Trump's followers. Some people have different ideas about immigration based on their backgrounds and experiences.
  3. American tech companies are raising massive amounts of money for AI development. This shows that the U.S. has significant resources and talent in the tech industry compared to other regions.

Trying to Make Sense of Trump's Foreign Policy

John’s Substack • 9 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Trump administration Global Affairs U.S. Relations Conflict analysis
  1. Trump's foreign policy is still being evaluated since he has just started his presidency. It's important to understand how he approaches issues on a global scale.
  2. The discussion highlights key situations like Gaza and Ukraine that are pressing for US foreign relations. These areas are pivotal in figuring out how Trump will steer his policies.
  3. Analyzing Trump's moves now could give insights into how he might shape America's role in the world going forward. It's a time to watch closely for changes.

Epilogue in the In Trump Time Serialization

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 923 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump administration Election Integrity COVID-19 Response Vaccination Regime Change
  1. Issues related to Communist China's economic aggression and military rise are crucial in national policy debate.
  2. Investigation into the 2020 election is essential to maintain election system integrity.
  3. Recognition of medical and political dangers related to COVID-19 vaccines and authoritarian measures is vital.