The BLUE PRESS JOURNAL

We aim to be a voice in the ongoing political discourse, providing both factual information and opinionated analysis, from a progressive or center-left perspective, free from the direct influence of major
established Main Street Media.

  • Farmers Feel the Sting of Trump’s Trade Wars as Looming Crisis Threatens Livelihoods

    Blue Press Journal – The consequences of President Donald Trump’s trade wars are finally coming home to roost, and farmers are bearing the brunt of the damage. Despite record yields during the fall harvest, many farmers are struggling to find buyers for their crops, thanks to the loss of significant export markets. The prices of top U.S. crops like soybeans and corn have plummeted, while the cost of farm equipment and fertilizer has skyrocketed due to Trump’s tariffs.

    This perfect storm is threatening to unleash a “looming farm crisis” that could devastate the livelihoods of farmers across the country. According to Politico, crop farmers are especially suffering, with many facing financial ruin as a result of the trade wars. The situation is so dire that Trump Agriculture Department officials have privately begun preparing for a bailout fund, although it’s unlikely that any relief payments will be made this fall.

    Ironically, many of the farming-dependent counties that backed Trump in 2020 with an average of 77.7% of the vote are now feeling the pain of his trade policies. However, neither farmers nor Republicans are ready to completely abandon the president just yet. While some farmers are beginning to question their support for Trump, others remain loyal, hoping that he will eventually deliver on his promises to restore American agriculture to its former glory.

    The crisis facing farmers highlights the unintended consequences of Trump’s trade wars. Instead of protecting American industries, the tariffs have shifted the burden to agriculture. As the situation worsens, it remains uncertain if Trump will address farmers’ suffering or prioritize his trade agenda over rural Americans’ livelihoods. One thing is clear: the fate of American farmers is precarious, and the effects of these trade wars will linger for years.

  • Senate Democrats Push for Transparency in Epstein Case

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a surprise move, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, seeking to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The amendment, which was added to the annual defense authorization bill, aims to shed light on the Epstein case and bring transparency to the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.

    Schumer’s amendment is identical to a bill being pushed by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) in the House, which would force the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents in its possession. The move comes as Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), have expressed support for transparency in the Epstein case, but have stopped short of committing to a vote on legislation directing the Trump administration to release the documents.

    Thune told reporters on Tuesday that he supports “transparency” in the Epstein case, but did not say whether the Senate would vote on a measure to release the documents if it passes the House. Schumer’s amendment puts pressure on Senate Republicans to take action on the issue, which has garnered significant public attention and outrage.

    The amendment was filed as the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to vote on the NDAA, which is a key piece of legislation that authorizes funding for the nation’s defense programs. Schumer’s move is seen as a way to force the issue of Epstein transparency onto the Senate’s agenda, and to hold the Trump administration accountable for its handling of the case.

  • The Dark Consequences of Trump’s January 6th Pardons: A Threat to Public Safety in Light of National Guard Deployments

    Blue Press Journal – On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued pardons and commutations for over 1,500 people charged or convicted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This move was met with widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to rewrite the history of the insurrection and a betrayal of the law enforcement officers who were assaulted that day. As it turns out, the concerns of critics have been validated, with at least 10 pardoned individuals already rearrested, charged, or sentenced for other crimes.

    According to NPR, these crimes include plotting the murder of FBI agents, child sexual assault, possession of child sexual abuse material, and reckless homicide while driving drunk. The list of offenders is disturbing, to say the least. For example, Daniel Ball, who attacked police officers with an explosive device during the insurrection, was rearrested days after Trump’s pardon for illegal gun possession, given his felony record of domestic violence and strangulation. Theodore Middendorf, who pleaded guilty to destruction of government property on January 6th, was previously sentenced to 19 years in prison for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old and remains in prison.

    As Senator Chuck Schumer noted, “These pardons are a slap in the face to the law enforcement officers who were brutally attacked on January 6th. It’s a betrayal of the trust that the American people have placed in the justice system.” The move has also been criticized by some Republicans, who point out that the pardons included many who committed violent crimes. “This is not what the American people expect from their President,” said Senator Mitt Romney. “We need to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those who break it are held accountable.”

    The rearrests of these individuals underscore the public safety threats posed by the pardoned insurrectionists. As Senator Dick Durbin stated, “The fact that these individuals have been rearrested for such heinous crimes is a clear indication that they pose a significant threat to our communities. We cannot afford to have them on our streets.” Trump’s comments on the matter have been tone-deaf, overlooking the role that the January 6 defendants’ prior criminal records played in sentencing. Federal judges take that criminal history into account when deciding a criminal defendant’s sentence, and it is clear that these individuals have a propensity for violence and lawlessness.

    The pardons handed out by President Trump have recklessly endangered the American public. The rearrests of these individuals serve as a shocking testament to the so-called “Law and Order President,” who has unleashed criminals on our streets, putting at risk the very citizens he vowed to defend. As we look ahead, his audacious threat to deploy the National Guard in American cities forces us to confront the reality that he’s released more dangerous offenders than he’s ever boasted catching about in Washington, DC.

    Sources:

    • NPR: “At Least 10 January 6th Insurrectionists Pardoned By President Trump Have Already Been Rearrested”
    • The New York Times: “Trump’s Pardons of January 6th Defendants Draw Criticism from Law Enforcement and Republicans”
    • CNN: “Trump’s Pardons of January 6th Defendants Spark Outrage and Concerns about Public Safety”

  • Supreme Court Helps Trump Slide Country into Dictatorship

    Blue Press Journal – In a shocking and disturbing emergency decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has given Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the green light to continue targeting and arresting Latinos working low-wage jobs based on profiling. The ruling, issued on Monday morning, came without an official explanation, sparking outrage and condemnation from Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

    The case, Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, concerns “Operation At Large,” an ICE operation that deployed agents to locations frequented by Latino people, including car washes, bus stops, and farms, in an effort to detain and arrest undocumented immigrants. However, as Justice Sotomayor pointed out in her scathing dissent, this operation has led to the harassment and mistreatment of U.S. citizens, including Jason Gavidia, who was stopped at his workplace, a Los Angeles tow yard, and subjected to aggressive questioning and physical mistreatment by ICE agents.

    Sotomayor disagreed with the Court’s ruling, arguing that the law does not allow ICE to “briefly detain” individuals based on profiling, as claimed by Justice Brett Kavanaugh in his concurrence. She also condemned the Court for failing to provide a full explanation for its decision, alleging that the Court is “eager to circumvent the ordinary appellate process” when it comes to cases involving the Trump administration.

    This ruling is a chilling example of the Supreme Court’s willingness to enable the Trump administration’s discriminatory policies. By allowing ICE to profile and arrest Latinos based on appearance and occupation, the Court grants a free pass to target marginalized communities.

    As Justice Sotomayor so powerfully stated, this ruling serves as a sobering reminder of the Court’s tragic abandonment of its responsibility to safeguard the rights of every American, irrespective of their background or immigration status. The Court’s readiness to uncritically endorse the Trump administration’s most outrageous policies, without offering a thorough explanation, is a chilling indication of our nation’s perilous drift toward dictatorship.

    The American people deserve better from their highest court. We deserve a judiciary that will stand up for justice, equality, and human rights, not one that will enable the Trump administration’s most authoritarian tendencies.

  • Appeals Court Upholds $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment Against Trump

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a significant ruling, a federal appeals court has upheld a civil jury’s decision requiring former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll, a longtime advice columnist who accused him of sexual assault. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump’s appeal of the defamation award, finding that the “jury’s damages awards are fair and reasonable.”

    The decision stems from a trial last year in which a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for defamation and sexual assault. Carroll had accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store in 1996. Although the jury concluded that Trump had not committed rape as defined under New York law, they did find him liable for sexual assault and awarded Carroll $5 million in compensation for the alleged attack and Trump’s subsequent statements denying it.

    The bulk of the $83.3 million award, however, was for defamation. The jury found that Trump’s repeated social media attacks against Carroll, in which he denied her allegations and questioned her credibility, constituted defamation. The appeals court upheld this finding, determining that Trump’s statements were not protected by the First Amendment and were, in fact, liable for damages.

    The ruling is a victory for Carroll, who argues that Trump’s attacks harmed her character and credibility. It also sets a precedent for victims of sexual assault and defamation, emphasizing the need to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions.

    Trump’s lawyers had argued that the defamation award was excessive and that the jury’s findings were flawed. However, the appeals court rejected these arguments, finding that the jury’s decision was supported by the evidence and that the damages award was reasonable.

    The case highlights the ongoing legal battles between Trump and his accusers. The former president has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and often uses social media to discredit them. The appeals court’s ruling underscores that such tactics can have serious consequences, affirming victims’ rights to seek justice and compensation.

  • Trump’s Approval Ratings Remain Negative Amid: 57% disapprove

    Blue Press Journal – A recent NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey has revealed that Americans’ views on President Donald Trump’s job performance remain largely negative. Despite a flurry of activity from his administration on tariffs, immigration, and public health, only 43% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 57% disapprove. This stagnation in approval ratings is a telling sign that the President’s efforts to sway public opinion have been unsuccessful.

    The poll also highlights the deep divisions within the country, with nearly half of Democrats (49%) reporting that they are “furious” about the actions of the Trump administration. In contrast, 27% of Republicans say they are “thrilled” with the administration’s actions, while 18% report being “happy” and 28% say they are “satisfied”. These results demonstrate the intense polarization that has come to characterize American politics under Trump’s presidency.

    One area where Trump’s ratings are particularly weak is on economic matters. Only 39% of Americans approve of his handling of inflation, while 41% approve of his handling of trade and tariffs. These numbers are concerning, given the significant impact that economic policy can have on the lives of everyday Americans.

    On the other hand, there is one issue where Americans are largely united: the use of vaccines to prevent diseases. A whopping 78% of respondents strongly or somewhat support the use of vaccines, with 49% strongly supporting it. This overwhelming majority demonstrates that, despite their differences, Americans can come together on issues that affect the health and well-being of their communities.

  • The Bitter Harvest of Bad Choices: How Trump’s Policies Are Devastating Arkansas Farmers

    Blue Press Journal (Opinion) – The old adage “you reap what you sow” has never been more apt than in the case of Arkansas farmers who are now facing the dire consequences of their support for President Trump and his disastrous trade policies. Despite being warned about the potential risks of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars, many farmers in the state enthusiastically backed the president, hoping that his “America First” agenda would somehow magically benefit them. Fast forward to the present, and it’s clear that their decision has come back to haunt them.

    A Perfect Storm of Problems

    This year, Arkansas farmers have been hit with a perfect storm of problems that have left them on the brink of bankruptcy. A dismal global market, plunging commodity prices, and sky-high input costs due to inflation and tariffs have combined to create a perfect storm of financial woes. As the table below illustrates, the numbers are stark:

    Category20242025
    Soybean Prices$9.50/bushel$7.50/bushel
    Corn Prices$3.50/bushel$3.00/bushel
    Farm Input Costs$500/acre$600/acre

    As one farmer lamented, “We’re facing a situation where we can’t even break even, let alone make a profit. The prices are so low, and the costs are so high, it’s like we’re being squeezed from both sides.” Another farmer added, “I’ve been farming for 30 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad. We’re talking about farms that have been in families for generations, and now they’re on the verge of closure.”

    The Elephant in the Room

    Despite the obvious connection between Trump’s policies and their predicament, not one of the farmers is willing to speak out against the president or the Republicans in Congress. As one farmer sheepishly admitted, “We can’t really say anything bad about Trump, because we supported him. It’s like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.” This reluctance to criticize the president is understandable, given the fact that many farmers voted for him in the hopes that he would help their industry.

    However, as the saying goes, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.” By supporting Trump and his policies, farmers essentially made a bet that has not paid off. As economist and trade expert, Dr. Jennifer Hillman, notes, “The tariffs have had a devastating impact on farmers, and it’s only going to get worse. The administration’s policies have created a perfect storm of problems that will take years to recover from.”

    The Free Market Solution

    So, what’s the solution to this mess? Some might argue that the government should step in and provide a bailout to struggling farmers with our tax taxdollars.. However, this approach only serves to reward bad decision-making and perpetuate a cycle of dependency. As the old saying goes, “if you make a bad bet, you should have to pay the price.” In this case, the price is the loss of their farms and livelihoods.

    As columnist and economist, Paul Krugman, argues, “The free market has a way of weeding out inefficient producers and rewarding those who make smart decisions. If farmers made a bad bet on Trump, that’s not the government’s problem to fix.” This approach may seem harsh, but it’s the only way to ensure that farmers and other businesses make informed decisions that benefit the economy as a whole.

    The plight of Arkansas farmers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making decisions based on ideology rather than facts. By supporting Trump and his disastrous trade policies, farmers have essentially sealed their own fate. As the old saying goes, “you made your bed, now lie in it.” Perhaps next time, they will think twice before voting for a party and president that is bad for America and the economy.

  • Postal Traffic to US Plummets 80% After Trump Administration Ends Exemption on Low-Value Parcels

    Blue Press Journal – In a move that has been widely criticized, the Trump administration’s decision to end the “de minimis exemption” for low-value parcels has resulted in a staggering 80% decline in postal traffic to the US. The exemption, which has been in place since 1938, allowed for duty-free entry of parcels valued below a certain threshold. However, the administration claims that it had become a loophole for foreign businesses to evade tariffs and for criminals to smuggle drugs into the country.

    The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has expressed frustration with the sudden change, stating that its members were not given sufficient time or guidance to comply with the new procedures. The UPU has started rolling out measures to help postal operators calculate and collect duties, but the damage has already been done. As of August 29, 2025, the global postal network has seen a near-halt in traffic to the US, with carriers and customs agencies struggling to cope with the new rules.

    The Trump administration’s decision has been criticized as protectionist, harming international trade. The UPU warns that the new rules will raise costs and delays for consumers, possibly pushing some businesses to leave the US market. This move also negatively impacts small businesses and individuals dependent on international trade.

    The elimination of the de minimis exemption is a recent protectionist measure by the Trump administration, raising concerns about global economic impact and potential retaliation. As the US postal network struggles to adapt, it’s uncertain how the administration will respond to international backlash.

  • The Invasion of an American City: Chicago Prepares for Trump’s Militarized Crackdown

    Blue Press Journal – As the city of Chicago braces itself for the impending arrival of federal agents, National Guard troops, and potentially even active-duty military, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker are leading the charge against what they describe as President Donald Trump’s “tyranny.” The president’s threat to send a militarized force to the city, under the guise of addressing crime and immigration, has sparked widespread concern and outrage among Chicagoans and Illinois’ elected officials.

    “If the federal government wants to help, they should invest, not invade,” Mayor Johnson said, echoing the sentiments of many who believe that Trump’s actions are nothing more than a political stunt designed to intimidate and intimidate the city’s residents. With some federal agents already stationed at a nearby naval station and fencing erected around the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse overnight, the city is on high alert, preparing for the worst.

    Trump’s plans to deploy immigration enforcement agents, National Guard troops, and potentially active-duty military to Chicago have been widely criticized as an overreach of federal power and a blatant attempt to undermine the city’s autonomy. The president’s claims that Chicago is plagued by rampant crime and violence have been disputed by fact-checkers and experts, who point out that the city’s crime rates are actually lower than in many other major American cities.

    Moreover, critics argue that Trump’s attacks on Chicago and other Democrat-led cities are motivated by a desire to distract from his own failures and to punish cities that have resisted his policies. “Why did Trump cut $468 million from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) budget in his nasty, signature bill?” Mayor Johnson asked on Tuesday. “Why did he cut funding for the agency responsible for getting guns off our streets by 29%? Why did he cut 1,465 positions from an agency that is so critical to reducing gun violence?”

    The answer, according to many, lies in Trump’s priorities. While he has consistently sought to increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, he has simultaneously slashed funding for agencies that work to address the root causes of gun violence. As Kathleen Sances, president and CEO of G-PAC, noted, “Chicago’s gun violence problem is directly related to the availability of illegal guns on our streets.” Illinois, she pointed out, is not even among the top 10 states exporting crime guns to other states.

    In fact, data shows that the top exporters of crime guns are largely red states, including Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Indiana, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Mississippi. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of Trump’s policies and the motivations behind his attacks on cities like Chicago.

    As the city braces for federal forces, volunteers patrol the streets for signs of ICE agents. The National Guard’s deployment could cost taxpayers nearly $1.6 million daily, according to the National Priorities Project. Governor Pritzker has pledged to take action, including legal measures, if troops are sent to the city.

    In the face of Trump’s looming “invasion,” Chicagoans and Illinois’ elected officials are standing strong, refusing to back down in the face of federal overreach. As Mayor Johnson said, “If the federal government wants to help, they should invest, not invade.” The city deserves nothing less than a comprehensive and nuanced approach to addressing its problems, rather than a heavy-handed and militarized crackdown.

  • Has Trump Gone Crazy? Authoritarian Tactics on Full Display

    Blue Press Journal – In a shocking move, President Donald Trump has announced the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. The reason behind this decision? To punish Colorado for offering mail-in voting, a practice that Trump claims leads to “crooked elections.” Denver TV news anchor Kyle Clark is calling out the President’s blatant attempt to strong-arm states into falling in line with his authoritarian agenda.

    Clark, host of “Next With Kyle Clark,” pointed out the disturbing pattern of Trump’s actions, including the federal takeover of Washington, D.C. and the deployment of troops to cities that don’t support him. “Vote for him, and your cities won’t be targeted with troop deployments. Vote for him and keep your military installations,” Clark said, highlighting the President’s blatant attempt to manipulate states and cities into supporting him.

    This move is not only a slap in the face to the people of Colorado but also a devastating blow to the local workforce. Former Colorado Springs Mayor John W. Suthers, a Republican, estimates that relocating Space Command could take years, cost billions of dollars, and displace hundreds of employees who may not be willing to move.

    But what’s even more alarming is Trump’s reasoning behind this decision. He claims that mail-in voting is “crooked” and that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned him about the dangers of mail-in voting. Yes, you read that right – Trump is taking election advice from a notorious autocrat.

    If this were happening in any other country, we would label it authoritarianism. But in the United States, we hesitate to call it what it is. Clark is right; we must use the right language for Trump’s actions. This is not just politics; it’s an attempt to undermine democracy and punish dissenters.

    It’s time to wake up, America. Trump’s actions are a threat to our democracy, and we need to start taking them seriously. We can’t afford to sit back and watch as our President dismantles the very foundations of our country. We need to stand up, speak out, and demand that our leaders behave with integrity and respect for the democratic process. Has Trump gone crazy? Maybe. But one thing is certain – his actions are a danger to our democracy, and we need to take action to stop him.