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.

  • U.S. Court Blocks Trump Tariffs

    A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of International Trade has unanimously determined that Congress did not grant the president expansive tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), which was a key aspect of Donald Trump’s reasoning . The court emphasized in its unsigned opinion that an unbounded delegation of tariff power would amount to an inappropriate surrender of legislative authority to another branch of government.

    The Court of International Trade determined that an emergency law enacted by the White House does not confer upon the president the unilateral power to impose tariffs on nearly all nations globally.

    The court located in New York affirmed that the United States Constitution bestows upon Congress the exclusive authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations, a power that is not overshadowed by the president’s jurisdiction to protect the economy.

    The IEEPA provides the president with the ability to impose necessary economic sanctions during a state of emergency to address an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” The ruling, issued on Wednesday, effectively blocks Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on April 2, which mandated a 10 percent tariff on all imports along with higher reciprocal tariffs for various countries. It also nullifies previous tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, many of which had already been postponed or modified due to declines in the stock market and rising Treasury yields following Trump’s trade policy changes.

    The judges have granted the Trump administration ten days to issue any administrative orders required to implement their ruling. The panel included Judge Timothy Reif, appointed by Trump; Judge Jane Restani, appointed by former President Reagan; and Judge Gary Katzmann, appointed by former President Obama.

    Goldman Sachs has cautioned that these tariffs could trigger a recession, highlighting the risk of slower economic growth. The firm warns that increased tariffs could elevate consumer prices and reduce real income, which may ultimately affect consumer spending.

  • Wealthy Republicans Push Tax Breaks for Themselfs While Cutting Social Programs

    A report from the watchdog group Accountable.US highlights how wealthy Republican members of Congress stand to benefit from tax breaks they are pushing to extend, even as they support cuts to vital social programs that millions of their less affluent constituents rely on.

    According to Accountable.US, the top 10 richest Republican senators and top 25 richest GOP members of the House hold collective net worths exceeding $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion respectively. These individuals are positioned to significantly benefit from the tax breaks enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which they are now seeking to extend.

    This push for tax benefits for the wealthy coincides with consideration of a spending package – referred to in the source as President Trump and congressional Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” – which would cut food and healthcare benefits for millions of working-class Americans. Accountable.US calculates that dozens of the wealthiest GOP members, collectively worth an estimated $2.5 billion, gain from this overall legislative approach.

    The report argues these wealthy members are advocating for “draconian cuts” to programs such as federal student aid, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – programs crucial for the millions of their constituents who depend on them.

    Specifically, Accountable.US found that 6.3 million constituents represented by the top 10 richest senators and 2.1 million constituents represented by the top 25 richest representatives use SNAP and are at risk of losing food security. Additionally, 9.2 million constituents in the richest senators’ areas and 4 million in the richest representatives’ districts use Medicaid and face the risk of losing critically needed healthcare.

    The report notes the irony that some Republicans voted for cuts affecting Medicaid despite having previously acknowledged high rates of dependency on the program in their own districts.

  • Trump Administration making Food Less Safe

    The Trump administration, several actions raised concerns about the prioritization of public health and safety. The FDA reportedly suspended food safety assurance programs for Grade “A” milk and some vegetables, while the Department of Agriculture eliminated committees advising on food safety policy. Staff reductions at the FDA, including those involved in food and drug inspections.

    These actions appear to conflict with public sentiment. A recent Civiqs poll revealed that 84% of registered voters oppose the FDA ending routine food safety inspections, with 67% strongly opposed. 

    We must ask why make food less safe? It’s clear that the Trump Administration does not care. All they care about is cutting as much of the federal government as possible to fund their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.

    So you see, Trump places his priorities for America squarely on the altar of money, not on us, the people!

  • Trump’s Pathetic Memorial Day Commencement Speech to West Point

    Donald Trump’s Memorial Day commencement address to West Point cadets has sparked renewed scrutiny regarding his mental fitness. The speech, characterized by some as rambling and incoherent, diverged significantly from traditional addresses. Observers noted his decision not to shake hands with graduating cadets, a customary gesture in past West Point speeches. He ducked out early to play golf.

    The content of the speech itself drew criticism. Trump reportedly attacked diversity programs and drag shows, while also suggesting the military should prioritize spreading democracy “at the point of a gun.” He also digressed into unrelated topics, including golf and the marriage of real estate developer Bill Levitt.

    The perceived lack of focus and coherence in the address has led some to question Trump’s mental acuity and competency. The relative lack of attention to these concerns from the mainstream press has also been noted, with some suggesting a need for greater scrutiny of his fitness for office.

  • Concerns Raised on Trump’s New Covid-19 Policy

    The Trump administration’s recent decision to restrict access to seasonal COVID-19 shots to seniors and high-risk individuals is generating concerns about vaccine availability for the general population. This policy shift, awaiting further data on the broader population, raises questions about those who desire a booster but may not meet the “high-risk” criteria.

    The alarming restriction on the availability of vital vaccines has left the medical community deeply concerned that this may lead to a tragic rise in Covid-19-related deaths this fall. Medical experts are fervently questioning the reasoning behind such a troubling shift, advocating for action to protect lives.

    Under this new framework, the FDA will limit routine vaccine approvals to seniors and those with underlying health conditions unless clinical trials demonstrate the vaccine’s ability to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in healthy adults and children. Vaccine manufacturers are now being encouraged to conduct such trials to establish the vaccine’s value in these healthier demographics.

    Uncertainty also surrounds the status of individuals living with vulnerable, high-risk people. Caregivers and those sharing households with immunocompromised individuals may seek vaccination to protect their loved ones, yet they may not qualify under the revised FDA guidelines unless they themselves are at risk of severe illness.

    This restricted FDA approval is poised to significantly limit public access to COVID-19 vaccines and insurance coverage for these vital shots. Even as vaccination demand dwindles, the CDC warns that COVID-19 has tragically taken the lives of 30,000 to 50,000 adults since October, highlighting the relentless and overwhelming burden this virus continues to place on our healthcare system.

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.

    What is Memorial Day? Facts, Meaning, and History

  • Opinion: Main Stream Media is to Blame for Trump and the Constitutional Crisis

    We are increasingly weary of the MAGA movement, as well as the news media and political figures who attempt to normalize Trump’s actions and rhetoric. The situation is far from normal; in fact, it is concerning how mainstream news organizations have allowed Trump to manipulate the truth. Despite the media’s attempts to normalize his conduct, Trump’s overt discussions of revenge and his pledges to usurp constitutional authority clearly indicate that America is facing a dangerous descent into autocracy.

    Is Donald Trump too old? In a few months, he will reach the age of 79, which will make him older than Joe Biden when he concludes his term. It raises the question: how many articles have you encountered recently addressing Trump’s age? It appears that mainstream media has largely overlooked this aspect of Trump, whereas they extensively covered Biden’s age during the 2024 election.

    Even with all the buzz about his mental decline, he managed to steer the country through a pandemic and, along with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dodged a recession, keeping the economy strong with low unemployment and steady growth. He pushed for some serious investments in high-tech industries and essential infrastructure, like roads and bridges. Plus, he got NATO to stand together against the biggest act of aggressive warfare since 1939. And apart from the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was already in the works thanks to Trump’s previous agreements he took over, what really bad choices can people blame on his age?

    Let’s take a look at what Donald Trump did during his first few months in office. He really shook things up by cutting down the staff at the National Security Council (NSC), which is pretty important for keeping us safe. Inflation is still a mess, and he hasn’t done anything about grocery prices like he said he would. On top of that, the stock market took a hit (tariffs), which is bad news for folks trying to save for retirement. It’s worrying that he hasn’t been able to tackle the Ukraine situation since day one and seems to be echoing what the Russian government is saying. Plus, those “liberation day” tariffs have just made things more expensive for Americans and soured relationships with our NATO allies and trading buddies. He even brought in Elon Musk, whose cuts to government services have really hurt people because of his no-holds-barred approach. And let’s not ignore the worrying attitude towards the American legal system, which is supposed to protect everyone’s rights.

    The political media’s efforts to validate him notwithstanding, it was clear from Trump’s explicit conversations regarding retribution and his statements about usurping authority beyond constitutional boundaries that America are endangering its democratic principles.

    Even more concerning is the fact that, when presented with the choice between safeguarding democracy or ensuring lower egg prices, America chose the latter. Nevertheless, he deceived the public. Thank you main stream news outlets!

  • Pirro’s Record as Prosecutor Under Scrutiny Amidst U.S. Attorney Appointment

    Jeanine Pirro’s appointment as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has brought renewed scrutiny to a controversial case from her tenure as Westchester County District Attorney. The 2002 death of 17-year-old Rob Viscome in Harrison, New York, continues to cast a shadow over Pirro’s career, raising questions about her impartiality and potentially complicating her future in Washington.

    The Viscome case, in which a grand jury declined to indict anyone after the teenager was fatally injured at an after-school drinking party, remains a painful memory for the affluent community of Harrison. The circumstances surrounding Viscome’s death, including allegations of a cover-up by several teenagers, shocked the town.

    However, it was the subsequent decision not to press charges that sparked outrage and fueled criticism of Pirro, then the elected prosecutor. Pirro said there was not enough evidence for even a misdemeanor assault charge.

    The controversy surrounding the case damaged Pirro’s public image, an issue that resurfaced during her unsuccessful Senate bid against Hillary Clinton. Now, as she assumes a prominent role in the nation’s capital, the incident threatens to resurface, particularly concerning her potential conflict of interest due to her relationship with the nearby homeowners, John and Ellen Porzio, who contributed to her campaign. Pirro’s office has faced at the time persistent questions regarding the grand jury’s decision and her ties to the Porzios, further fueling the debate over her ability to administer justice without bias.

  • Trump Makes his Choice: Golf over the Nation’s Pressing Issues

    While states are facing the aftermath of severe storms and awaiting FEMA assistance, President Trump’s schedule indicates an early departure for his golf club in New Jersey. On Friday, May 23, according to the official White House press pool daily guidance and media schedule, his only listed official event was a closed-press signing of executive orders.

    He was then scheduled to leave the White House by mid-afternoon, heading to his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for the weekend.

    This prioritization of personal leisure raises questions about his commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing issues, including economic uncertainty, legal challenges, and international instability.

    While Americans are dealing with these concerns, the president’s focus on activities outside of his official duties may be perceived as a disconnect from the needs of the country. As of today he’s 124 days in office and played golf 24 days, or 19.35% of his presidency.

  • Trump’s Bribe is in the Open: Paramount Global

    The proposed settlement between Paramount Global and Donald Trump regarding his $20 billion lawsuit is drawing intense scrutiny and raising serious legal and ethical concerns. The Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), a Paramount shareholder, has formally warned the company that such a settlement, reportedly under consideration to pave the way for a merger with Skydance, “could amount to a bribe” designed to influence the Trump administration’s approval of the deal. This concern echoes warnings from a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators who have already suggested Paramount “may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct.”

    The FPF argues that settling what they deem a baseless lawsuit, one that infringes upon First Amendment rights, sets a dangerous precedent that could expose other media outlets to similar frivolous legal challenges. Their letter emphasizes that corporations owning news organizations should not be in the business of placating powerful figures with settlements that undermine the freedom of the press.

    The crux of the issue lies in the potential for quid pro quo. Reports suggest Paramount, is actively pushing for the settlement with the explicit intention of expediting the Skydance merger. This perceived link between the settlement and regulatory approval is what fuels accusations of bribery and potential illegality.

    Furthermore, Paramount’s own executives are reportedly aware of the considerable risks involved. They have acknowledged that settling the Trump lawsuit “could expose directors and officers to liability in potential future shareholder litigation or criminal charges for bribing a public official.” The FPF’s warning adds further weight to these concerns, suggesting that settling could not only invite legal repercussions but also severely damage Paramount’s reputation and erode public trust in its news division, CBS News.

    The situation raises profound questions about corporate governance, the influence of political pressures on media organizations, and the integrity of the merger review process.