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.

  • Ford Warns of Profit Plunge Due to Trump Tariffs

    In a stark warning to investors, American automaker Ford announced on Wednesday that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will significantly impact its bottom line. The company’s stock shares plummeted by over 2% in after-hours trading following the news.

    Ford, which manufactures the most cars in the US of any automaker, is being squeezed by new trade barriers imposed by the White House. The tariffs on key inputs such as steel and aluminum, as well as taxes on car components manufactured in Canada and Mexico, are expected to take a significant toll on the company’s profitability.

    This warning comes on the heels of a similar announcement by General Motors earlier this month. GM cited the Trump tariffs as a major reason for its $3 billion profit decline in the previous quarter. The two automakers’ warnings highlight the unintended consequences of the tariffs on the US economy, particularly on industries that rely heavily on international trade.

    President Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on foreign products was a key plank of his 2024 election campaign, despite his promise to lower inflation. However, tariffs have historically led to higher prices, rather than lower ones. The move has sparked concerns among economists and business leaders that the tariffs will ultimately harm American consumers and businesses.

    Ford’s struggles with the tariffs are particularly notable, given its significant presence in the US manufacturing sector. As the largest automaker in the US, Ford’s warning serves as a bellwether for the potential impact of the tariffs on other industries.

    The news has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Trump administration’s trade policies and the potential long-term consequences for the US economy. As the trade tensions continue to escalate, investors and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.

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  • Inflation Rises More Than Expected in June Due to Trump Tariffs

    The latest inflation data from the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge showed a surprising uptick in June, with the annual increase rising to 2.6 percent from 2.3 percent in the previous month. The increase was largely driven by the effects of President Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to make their way into the economy.

    The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, which excludes the more volatile categories of food and energy, also saw a significant increase, rising to a 2.8 percent annual growth rate. This was above consensus estimates of 2.7 percent, indicating that the impact of tariffs on prices is more substantial than anticipated.

    Economists had been expecting some price growth as a result of the tariffs, but the extent of the increase has been notable. Certain categories, such as household furnishings and equipment, recreational goods, apparel, and motor vehicle parts, have been particularly affected, with prices rising sharply due to the tariffs.

    The Federal Reserve opted to hold short-term interest rates steady at a range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent after its meeting this week. The decision reflects the fact that while tariffs are driving up prices.

    The rise in inflation is likely to be closely watched by policymakers and economists, as it could have implications for future interest rate decisions. However, for now, the Fed appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach, monitoring the impact of the tariffs and other economic factors before making any further moves.

    The increase in inflation is also likely to have implications for consumers, who may see higher prices for a range of goods and services.

  • TRUMP CAUGHT NAPPING AGAIN: President Struggles to Stay Awake During White House Event

    Blue Press Journal – In a embarrassing moment for the White House, President Donald Trump was caught dozing off during a press event where he was supposed to be launching a new health tracking system. The incident, which was caught on camera, showed the 79-year-old president struggling to keep his eyes open as Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Medicare administrator, discussed the program and praised Trump’s leadership.

    The president’s apparent boredom and lack of interest in the event was palpable, with his eyes drooping and his head nodding forward in a manner that suggested he was on the verge of falling asleep. The incident has sparked concerns about the president’s health and ability to perform his duties, particularly given his advanced age.

    This is not the first time that Trump has been caught dozing off in public. Earlier this month, he appeared to be on the verge of nodding off during an energy and AI summit in Pittsburgh. Additionally, during his “hush money” trial in New York last year, where he was found guilty of fabricating corporate records to conceal a sex scandal with a porn star, he was recorded dozing off multiple times.

    The incident has also sparked irony, given that Trump and his supporters have frequently criticized President Joe Biden as “Sleepy Joe” for his perceived lack of energy and alertness. However, it seems that Trump himself may be struggling with similar issues.

    Trump’s recent visit to Scotland, where he met with European leaders, has also raised concerns about his mental and physical health. His behavior was described as “conceited” and “incredibly strange” by some observers, with many questioning whether he is mentally declining.

    As the president continues to face scrutiny over his age and ability to perform his duties, incidents like this are likely to fuel concerns about his suitability for the role.

  • Trump’s Unqualified Appointee, Tulsi Gabbard, Poses Significant Threat to National Security, Experts Warn

    Blue Press Journal – The Trump administration’s penchant for appointing unqualified and unconventional individuals to key national security positions has raised serious concerns about the country’s vulnerability to terrorist attacks. At the helm of the intelligence community is Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who has been criticized for her questionable grasp of reality and propensity for repeating Russian propaganda talking points.

    Gabbard’s appointment has been met with widespread skepticism, with many experts questioning her ability to effectively counter international terrorist threats. Her focus, they argue, has been more on currying favor with President Trump than on addressing the pressing security concerns facing the nation. This has led to fears that the intelligence community is being politicized, with potentially disastrous consequences for national security.

    The latest annual threat assessment, published in March, paints a stark picture of the dangers facing the United States. The report warns that ISIS’s most aggressive branches, including ISIS-Khorasan, will continue to seek to attack the West, including the United States, through online propaganda and exploitation of vulnerable travel routes. This assessment underscores the need for a competent and focused intelligence community, one that is capable of effectively countering these threats.

    Gabbard at the helm, many experts worry that the intelligence community is being led by someone who is more interested in advancing a partisan agenda than in protecting the country from harm. Her claims that findings of Russian interference in the 2016 election were a “treasonous hoax” engineered by Barack Obama and high-ranking officials in his administration have been thoroughly debunked, but they have also raised concerns about her ability to separate fact from fiction.

    The appointment of unqualified and unconventional individuals to key national security positions is a trend that has been evident throughout the Trump administration. The consequences of this approach are potentially catastrophic, as it undermines the ability of the intelligence community to effectively counter terrorist threats and protect the country from harm.

    As the threat assessment makes clear, the United States faces a range of significant security challenges, from ISIS to other terrorist organizations. To address these threats, the country needs a competent and focused intelligence community, one that is led by individuals who are qualified, experienced, and committed to protecting the nation. Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s approach to national security appointments suggests that this is not a priority, and that the country’s safety and security are being put at risk as a result.

  • Trump Administration’s Trade Policies Leave Countries and Consumers Uncertain

    Blue Press Journal: In a significant departure from traditional trade policy practices, the Trump administration has abandoned the longstanding protocol of involving Congress, small businesses, corporations, academics, and other stakeholders in trade negotiations. Instead, countries are now negotiating directly with President Donald Trump and a small group of trade officials, often resulting in vague and uncertain agreements.

    The recent trade deal with the European Union, comprising 27 countries, is a prime example of this new approach. The agreement includes a 15% baseline tariff for most European goods, which is higher than previous rates and is expected to increase prices for consumers. The EU has also agreed to purchase $750 billion of energy products from the US and not to tax a yet unknown category of US imports. However, the EU has stated that it cannot guarantee the sizes of these investments, leaving many details unclear.

    The White House and the European Commission have released contradictory claims about the agreement, adding to the confusion. According to Euronews, the EU’s statements have contradicted those of the White House, highlighting the lack of transparency and clarity in the negotiations.

    Furthermore, the trade deals announced by the Trump administration are not actually finalized agreements, but rather proposals or frameworks for future discussions. The recent agreement with the United Kingdom, for example, sets a 10% tariff rate on most goods and a maximum of 100,000 imported cars, but maintains a 25% tariff on steel.

    Experts warn that these tariffs will have a significant impact on consumer prices, as companies will pass on the increased costs of importing goods to consumers. The shipping industry, which lags the market by several months due to logistics, will also be affected, leading to further price increases. Tariffs on raw materials and intermediate parts, such as steel and aluminum, will also drive up the cost of building complex goods, resulting in higher prices for consumers.

    Additionally, the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration may lead to a decrease in trade volumes between the US and affected countries. Tariffed countries may be less inclined to continue trading with the US at the same level, potentially harming American businesses and consumers.

    As the full impact of these trade policies becomes clear, consumers and businesses are bracing themselves for the potential consequences. With tariffs already starting to show up in consumer prices, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration’s unconventional trade policies will ultimately affect the US economy and global trade relationships.

  • Trump Embarrasses Himself in Europe with Bizarre Anti-Wind Turbine Rant

    In a shocking display of ignorance and misinformation, President Donald Trump launched into a bizarre and factually inaccurate tirade against wind turbines during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. The meeting, which was intended to discuss pressing issues such as immigration, quickly derailed as Trump abruptly shifted his focus to wind power, making outlandish claims that left many stunned.

    Trump’s rambling diatribe included assertions that wind turbines are “killing” Americans, a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by experts. He also falsely stated that wind turbines rust and rot after just eight years, and that they cannot be buried because they harm the soil. In reality, wind turbines have a lifespan of approximately 30 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

    The President also claimed that Germany’s experiment with wind power had failed, despite the fact that the country generates over a quarter of its energy from wind.

    Trump’s bizarre outburst has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning his mental fitness at the age of 79 going on 80. The incident has been described as a “total mental collapse” by some, and has raised concerns about Trump’s ability to engage in coherent and informed discussions on critical issues.

    The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, was reportedly taken aback by Trump’s rant, which was characterized by some as a “babbling, lie-filled” display. The incident is likely to embarrass the United States on the international stage, and has already sparked a chorus of criticism from experts, politicians, and social media users.

    As one critic noted, “This is not just a case of Trump being Trump – it’s a disturbing display of ignorance and misinformation from the President who seems to be increasingly detached from reality.” The incident has raised serious questions about Trump’s fitness for public office, and has sparked calls for him to be held accountable for his reckless and misleading statements.

    Link to Windmill facts: https://www.statkraft.com/newsroom/explained/mythbusting-wind-power-is-unreliable-inefficient-and-harmful-to-nature/

  • Disgraced Former Rep. George Santos to Begin 7-Year Prison Sentence

    Blue Press Journal – Former U.S. Rep. George Santos, the disgraced New York Republican, is set to begin serving a 7-year prison sentence on Friday for federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Santos pleaded guilty to the charges last summer, which stem from his deceptive actions to fund his congressional campaign, including deceiving donors and stealing people’s identities.

    As part of his sentence, Santos must report to federal prison before 2 p.m. on Friday, although the exact location of his incarceration has not been disclosed. A federal judge has recommended that Santos be housed in a facility in the Northeast.

    The sentence marks a dramatic downfall for the former congressman, who was ousted from office in a bipartisan vote last year. The vote to expel Santos was supported by 311 representatives, including 105 Republicans, with only 114 representatives, mostly Republicans, voting against the measure.

    Notably, North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik was among those who voted against expelling Santos, despite overwhelming evidence of his wrongdoing. Stefanik had endorsed Santos in August 2021, calling him her “friend and fellow America First conservative.” Her decision to support Santos has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it demonstrates a lack of commitment to upholding the public trust.

    The evidence against Santos, uncovered by the Investigative Subcommittee, revealed a pattern of deceit and corruption, with Santos consistently prioritizing his personal gain over his duty to uphold the Constitution, federal law, and ethical principles. The findings were so damning that even voters in Santos’ own district overwhelmingly agreed that he should not have been in the House, with 83% viewing him unfavorably, including 78% of Republican voters.

    In light of these findings, many have argued that Stefanik should have voted to expel Santos, citing the fundamental principle that public office is a public trust. By failing to do so, Stefanik has raised questions about her own commitment to upholding this trust and her willingness to hold her colleagues accountable for their actions.

    As Santos begins his prison sentence, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in public office. The actions of elected officials like Stefanik, who choose to support colleagues despite overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing, undermine the public’s trust in government and highlight the need for stronger ethics and accountability measures.

  • Trump Heads to Scotland Amid Epstein Files Uproar, Raising Questions Over Timing and Cost

    Blue Press Journal: — President Donald Trump is heading to his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland this weekend, according to official White House press pool guidance. The trip comes amid escalating scrutiny over newly unsealed court documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting critics to question the timing and substantial taxpayer expense.

    The President’s official schedule lists no public events through Sunday, and a return to the United States is not currently noted, though some reports suggest he may return on July 29.

    The timing of the visit has immediately drawn criticism. President Trump has spent the past week vehemently defending himself and lashing out at media coverage of the Epstein revelations. He has publicly dismissed the unsealed documents as a “hoax,” attacked his own base for focusing on the issue, and blamed political enemies, describing the situation as a “coordinated distraction” from his presidency.

    In light of these recent developments, observers are quick to suggest the costly personal trip amounts to the president avoiding further public questions on the Epstein matter. Reports indicate the multi-day foreign visit is expected to cost U.S. taxpayers upwards of $10 million.

    The significant expenditure has drawn ire from critics, who have highlighted the sum by questioning what essential public services or benefits, such as “Meals on Wheels” programs or veteran support, could be funded with such a sum.

    While the White House has offered no specific comment on the timing of the trip in relation to the Epstein controversy, the president’s unscheduled and potentially extended retreat to his private property overseas continues to fuel public debate over presidential conduct and taxpayer accountability.

  • 25 Million Americans Face Significant Health Care Cost Increases: Donald Trump and the Republicans could stop it

    A looming deadline threatens to upend the health care landscape for millions of Americans, with 25 million individuals facing potential premium hikes and 4 million at risk of losing their insurance altogether. The clock is ticking on a Biden-era program that has made Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage more affordable for non-elderly people who purchase private insurance on their own.

    The program, which is set to expire on December 31, has provided significant financial assistance to individuals and families who buy insurance through the ACA’s online marketplaces, such as HealthCare.gov and state-run exchanges like Covered California. This assistance has resulted in hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars in annual savings for these individuals.

    However, if the program is allowed to lapse, the consequences could be severe. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that over 4 million people will become newly uninsured, while millions more will be forced to choose between paying higher premiums or opting for less comprehensive coverage that leaves them vulnerable to larger out-of-pocket medical bills.

    “This would be a huge premium shock for many people, and would mostly dwarf any gains they’re getting from tax cuts in the Republican plan that just passed,” said Larry Levitt, a health policy expert at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

    The affected individuals are a diverse group, including contractors, small business owners, part-time students, and early retirees. They are spread across the country, with varying income levels, but all rely on the ACA’s marketplaces for their health coverage.

    Despite the potential consequences, the Trump administration and Republicans have shown no indication that they will take action to extend the program. This inaction has sparked concerns among health care advocates and experts, who warn that the expiration of the program could undermine the progress made in reducing the number of uninsured Americans.

  • Controversy Surrounds Refurbishment of “Free” Air Force One Jet Gifted by Qatar

    In a shocking revelation, it has been discovered that the refurbishment of a “free” Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar will cost the US taxpayer a staggering $934 million. The jet, a luxury Boeing 747-8, was donated to the US government, but it appears that the gift came with a hefty price tag.

    According to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, surplus funds from the LGM-35A Sentinel program, a flagship nuclear modernization effort, were diverted to finance the refurbishment of the jet. However, the exact reason behind the allocation of $934 million for this project remains unclear, and officials have classified the refurbishment cost entirely.

    The decision to redirect funds from the Sentinel program to the refurbishment of the jet has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the legality and propriety of the move. The Sentinel program is a critical nuclear modernization effort, and diverting funds from it to a project that is seen as politically motivated has sparked outrage.

    Economist Dean Baker has been scathing in his criticism of the decision, stating, “Pretty great how the government will spend $1 billion renovating Trump’s ‘free’ Air Force One that was gifted to him by Qatar, which may never actually be used as a government plane — goes straight to Trump’s ‘library’ after he leaves office.” Baker’s comments highlight the concerns that the refurbishment of the jet is more about serving the interests of former President Trump than the needs of the US government.

    The elaborate efforts to conceal the funding behind the project have also raised suspicions. The fact that officials are unwilling to explain why $934 million was allocated for the refurbishment of the jet suggests that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.

    Refurbishment of the “free” Air Force One jet gifted by Qatar has raised more questions than answers. The secrecy surrounding the project, the diversion of funds from a critical nuclear modernization effort, and the potential political motivations behind the decision all contribute to a sense of unease and mistrust.