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Blue Press Journal – Concerns about President Donald Trump’s health have sparked intense debate about his ability to lead the country effectively. Recent images of the President have shown swollen ankles and bruises on his hands, often concealed with makeup, fueling speculation about the state of his physical and mental well-being. The President has been out of site for days recently.
The White House has attributed Trump’s swollen ankles to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by poor blood flow from the legs to the heart. However, this explanation has done little to alleviate concerns about the President’s overall health, given his age, weight, lifestyle, and history of heart disease.
The lack of transparency regarding Trump’s medical records has only added to the concerns. It has been over a decade since the President last released a full medical report, leaving many to wonder what he may be hiding. This lack of transparency is particularly troubling, given the immense power and responsibility that comes with the office of the President.
Blue Press Journal (DC) – The US Health and Human Services Department is reeling from a month of unprecedented turmoil, with critics calling for the resignation of Secretary John F. Kennedy Jr. The embattled secretary has faced mounting scrutiny over his handling of vaccine policy, and his history of promoting unproven medical treatments.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s leadership has been building for months, with critics pointing to his history of sowing mistrust in vaccines. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Kennedy has vowed to investigate a possible connection between vaccines and autism, rewarding vaccine critics with high-level appointments and downplaying the role of immunizations in a recent measles outbreak.
The situation took a dark turn when a vaccine conspiracy theorist opened fire on the CDC building in Atlanta, Georgia, prompting widespread condemnation. Kennedy’s slow response to the shooting only added to the criticism, with many questioning his commitment to public health and safety.
With calls for resignation growing louder, it remains to be seen how long Kennedy can cling to power. The fate of the US Health and Human Services Department, and the health of the American people, hangs in the balance as the country waits with bated breath. One question echoes through the halls of power: how much longer can Kennedy’s war on science continue?
Opinion – Blue Press Journal – As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, it has become increasingly evident that Donald Trump’s presidency is marked by a disturbing trend: his staggering ignorance. While his propensity for lying and throwing temper tantrums has been well-documented, it is his lack of understanding and lack of intellectual curiosity that pose the greatest threat to the nation and the world at large.
A recent episode illustrates this point starkly. In a misguided attempt to solve Los Angeles’ wildfire problem, Trump unilaterally decided to “open up” taps to release billions of gallons of water from two reservoirs in the Sierra Nevada foothills. However, as experts quickly pointed out, not a single drop of that water could have possibly reached Los Angeles, and instead would have overflowed the banks of rivers, threatening residents in nearby communities. As one observer noted, “It was clearly nothing but a poor publicity stunt. And it was a dangerous one.”
Fortunately, disaster was averted thanks to the quick action of local water management officials who intervened to prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from carrying out Trump’s ill-conceived order. However, the incident highlights the alarming reality of Trump’s decision-making process, which is often driven by misinformation, conspiracy theories, or sheer whim.
As Charles Leerhsen, who co-wrote Trump’s book “Surviving at the Top” in 1990, noted, “I’ve never met anyone else remotely like him. He is and was profoundly stupid, completely lacking in intellectual curiosity.” This assessment is echoed by former top aides, including Defense Secretary James Mattis, who reportedly said Trump had the understanding of a “fifth- or sixth-grader,” and chief of staff John Kelly, who called him an “idiot.” Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s description of Trump as a “moron” – later clarified as a “fucking moron” – is particularly telling.
Trump’s ignorance has real-world consequences, particularly in the area of economic policy. His trade war, which has been broadened to target the entire world, is a prime example. Based on his flawed understanding of how tariffs work, Trump has sparked a drag on the U.S. and global economies, leading to higher prices for consumers and devastating impacts on domestic farmers and manufacturers.
As one of his top advisers in the first term noted, Trump’s decisions often happen because he is “astonishingly ignorant.” His insistence on pursuing policies that defy evidence and expertise has little to do with ideology and everything to do with his own misinformed views. Whether it’s his claim that sea-level rise will create more oceanfront property or his certainty that other countries pay tariff revenue to the United States, Trump’s ignorance is having a profound impact on the nation and the world.
Donald Trump’s ignorance is a notable aspect of his presidency. While his lies and temper tantrums are troubling, it is his lack of understanding and intellectual curiosity that poses a significant threat. We must recognize the dangers of Trump’s ignorance and strive for a more informed, evidence-based approach to governance. The stakes are too high to overlook this alarming reality any longer.
According to Sanders, the Trump administration’s actions under Kennedy’s leadership have been detrimental to the nation’s health, despite their slogan of “Make America Healthy Again.” The senator pointed to the recent firing of Susan Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the subsequent resignation of four other top CDC officials in protest. These officials reportedly refused to support Kennedy’s “dangerous policies,” which have been widely criticized by the medical community.
Sanders criticized Kennedy’s long-standing crusade against vaccines and his advocacy of conspiracy theories that have been repeatedly rejected by scientific experts. The senator argued that Kennedy’s actions will make it more difficult for Americans to access lifesaving vaccines, exacerbating the nation’s already “broken healthcare system.”
The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s leadership has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and the public. As the head of the US health department, his policies impact the nation’s health. Sanders’ call for his resignation underscores the urgency to ensure health agencies are led by those who prioritize science and public health.
Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a major setback for the Trump administration, a federal appeals court has invalidated vast portions of the president’s sweeping tariffs, ruling that he lacked the authority to impose them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. The 7-4 decision, which upholds a lower court’s opinion, marks a significant defeat for Trump’s global trade war.
The appellate court’s majority found that Trump’s argument, which relied on declarations of national emergencies to establish the power to enact wide-ranging taxes, was “a wafer-thin reed on which to rest such sweeping power.” The judges concluded that Trump unlawfully stretched the 1977 statute to impose the import tariffs, which affects nearly all goods from nearly every country importing to the United States.
This ruling has significant implications, as it may require the administration to repay billions of dollars in duties, a move that customs and trade experts warn would be “a logistical nightmare.” The court emphasized that “tariffs are a core congressional power” and that there is “no clear congressional authorization by IEEPA for tariffs of the magnitude of the reciprocal tariffs and trafficking tariffs.”
The decision affirms a May ruling from the US Court of International Trade, which also found that Trump exceeded his authority. This latest ruling is a major blow to Trump’s trade policies, which have been widely criticized for their potential to harm American businesses and consumers.
Blue Press Journal – In a significant setback to President Trump’s trade agenda, a federal appeals court rejected his claim that emergency powers justify imposing tariffs on a global scale. On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 7-4 that the President’s tariffs were not authorized by the statute he cited to justify them.
The court’s decision affirms a lower court’s ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not permit the President’s sweeping moves. The IEEPA allows the President to issue certain economic sanctions in response to an “unusual and extraordinary threat” during an emergency. However, the court ruled that this authority does not extend to the imposition of tariffs.
The majority opinion stated, “Because we agree that IEEPA’s grant of presidential authority to ‘regulate’ imports does not authorize the tariffs imposed by the Executive Orders, we affirm.” This decision is a significant blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to refashion global trade through tariffs.
The ruling will not take effect immediately, as the court has withheld the mandate for its decision until October 14. This delay allows the administration to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The Trump administration is likely to pursue an appeal, as the tariffs are a key component of the President’s trade policy.
This decision has significant implications for ongoing trade disputes between the United States and other countries. The Trump administration’s tariffs on goods from several nations, including China, Canada, and Mexico, were justified by national security concerns and unfair trade practices. The court’s ruling suggests these tariffs may not be legally justified, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of the administration’s trade policy.
The de minimis rule was designed to facilitate trade in low-value items, reduce customs paperwork, and keep the mail moving efficiently. However, with its elimination, Trump’s latest tariff will have a devastating impact on low-wage earners and young voters, two groups that were crucial to his election victory. These demographics, which have been loyal to Trump, will now face significant price hikes on everyday items, including online purchases and gifts.
The numbers are stark, and the consequences will be far-reaching. The tariffs will not only increase costs for consumers but also burden small businesses and e-commerce platforms that rely on international trade. The move is a stark reminder of Trump’s failed promise to bring prices down “on Day 1” of his presidency. Instead, his policies have consistently driven prices up, hurting the very people who voted for him.
The timing of this policy change could not be worse for Trump, whose job approval ratings have been steadily declining. The elimination of the de minimis exemption will likely drive a stake deep into the heart of his already struggling ratings. Voters, who were initially swayed by Trump’s promises of pain-free tariffs paid by other countries, are now facing the harsh reality of his policies. As they begin to feel the pinch of higher prices, they will undoubtedly reevaluate their support for the president.
Trump’s latest tariff is a self-inflicted wound that will have far-reaching consequences for his base and the American economy as a whole. As the saying goes, “stupid is as stupid does,” and this policy change is a prime example of the administration’s tone-deaf approach to trade and economics. With the midterm elections looming, it remains to be seen how voters will respond to this latest affront to their wallets. One thing is certain, however: Trump’s approval ratings will continue to suffer as the full weight of his tariffs becomes apparent to the American people.
BLUE PRESS JOURNAL (DC) – In a shocking move, the Trump Administration has fired Dr. Susan Monarez, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just one month after her Senate confirmation. The reason behind her termination has left many in the medical community stunned and concerned about the safety of the American people.
According to White House officials, Dr. Monarez was let go because she did not share President Trump’s “mission.” However, this vague explanation has only raised more questions. What mission could be more important than protecting the health and well-being of the American people? As one critic aptly put it, “Make America SICK” seems to be the real motto of the Trump Administration.
Just a few months ago, President Trump praised Dr. Monarez’s “decades of experience championing Innovation, Transparency, and strong Public Health Systems.” He highlighted her impressive credentials, including a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and postdoctoral training in Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine. So, what changed? Has the President’s judgment been clouded by his own personal biases or, as some speculate, by the early stages of dementia?
The real reason behind Dr. Monarez’s firing appears to be her refusal to rubber-stamp vaccine policy written by a non-physician who doesn’t believe in vaccines – namely, RFK Jr., a notorious anti-vaxxer. This is a alarming development, especially as the country is bracing for the upcoming Covid-19 and flu season.
The firing of Dr. Monarez has sparked widespread outrage among medical professionals and scientists, who fear that the Trump Administration is putting politics above public health. With RFK Jr. at the helm of the nation’s leading health agency, many are wondering if we can really feel safe. The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding no.
As Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, aptly put it, “Apparently, what Dr. Monarez did wrong was to refuse to rubber-stamp vaccine policy written by a non-physician who doesn’t believe in vaccines.” This is a chilling indictment of the Trump Administration’s priorities and a stark reminder that, under their watch, science and reason are being sacrificed at the altar of politics. As the nation prepares to face the challenges of the upcoming flu season, one thing is certain – our health and safety are no longer in good hands.
In a stunning reversal, the White House is now embracing crime statistics in Washington D.C. that it previously dismissed as “fake” and “manipulated”. The sudden change of heart comes after President Donald Trump took control of the city’s police force, and the same data that was once deemed untrustworthy is now being touted as a success story for the administration.
During a press briefing on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the decline in crime rates, citing a 19% drop in total crime and a 30% drop in violent crime. She also pointed to significant reductions in homicides, robberies, car thefts, and assaults. However, this newfound enthusiasm for the data is at odds with the administration’s previous stance.
Just months ago, President Trump was quick to discredit the same statistics, claiming that they were fabricated and that the city was actually becoming more violent. The trend of declining crime rates, which began before Trump’s takeover of the police force, was seen as inconvenient to his narrative of a city in chaos. National Democrats were swift to point out that violent crime had already fallen to a 30-year low, contradicting the President’s claims of a “violent hellscape”.
The Council on Criminal Justice, a non-partisan think tank, has confirmed that crime rates in D.C. have indeed been declining since 2023, mirroring trends in other cities. However, the capital still experiences more violence than most cities. The White House’s sudden about-face on the data has raised eyebrows, with critics accusing the administration of cherry-picking statistics to suit its own agenda.
This flip-flop is the latest example of the Trump administration’s selective use of data to advance its own narrative. By embracing statistics that were once deemed false, the White House is undermining its own credibility and raising questions about its commitment to accuracy and transparency. As the city continues to grapple with crime and public safety issues, it remains to be seen whether the administration’s newfound enthusiasm for the data will translate into meaningful policy initiatives or simply serve as a propaganda tool.
Blue Press Journal (Opinion) – As the fifth-largest economy in the world, California is an economic powerhouse and a leader in national policy. However, despite its significant contribution to the nation’s wealth, the state receives only a fraction of its tax dollars back in funding for essential priorities such as healthcare, housing, climate resilience, and infrastructure. It’s time for California to take a bold step and establish the California Federal Tax Administration (CFTA) to collect and remit federal taxes, thereby gaining control over its own wealth and leveraging its economic power.
Category
Amount
Annual Tax Revenue
$400 billion
Federal Funding Received
$30 billion
Net Outflow
$370 billion
The CFTA would be a new state agency responsible for collecting all federal personal and corporate income taxes from California residents and businesses and then remitting the funds to the federal government. This move would not only simplify the tax collection process but also provide California with a level of autonomy and bargaining power in its dealings with Washington. As noted by Governor Gavin Newsom, “California is not just a state, it’s an economic engine that drives the nation. It’s time we take control of our own destiny and ensure that our tax dollars are being used to benefit our own citizens.“
By instituting the CFTA, California would be able to highlight the significant outflow of its wealth to the federal government, making it clear that the state is subsidizing the rest of the nation. This would be a powerful statement, as Kamala Harris has noted, “California is a donor state, meaning we give more to the federal government than we receive in return. It’s time we change that dynamic and ensure that our tax dollars are being used to benefit our own state and its residents.”
The benefits of establishing the CFTA extend beyond political leverage. The state would have a system to ensure government continuity and preserve revenue, offering an advantage during economic downturns or funding uncertainties. As former Governor Jerry Brown stated, “California has always been a leader in innovation and progressive policy. Establishing the CFTA would be a bold step toward controlling our economic destiny and ensuring our state’s long-term prosperity.“
It’s time for California to seize the tax leverage and establish the CFTA. This move would empower the state to negotiate with Washington from a position of strength. Californians must unite to demand that their elected officials take action, ensuring our state’s wealth benefits our citizens instead of subsidizing underperforming RED STATES. As Governor Newsom has said, “It’s time for California to take control of its own destiny and become the economic powerhouse it was meant to be.”
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