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.

  • Upholding the Values of Free Speech and Press Freedom in the World (VOA)

    Voice of America is a global radio station that provides access to pro-democracy media in nations without a free press. Its mission is to support democracy and provide a platform for free speech. However, recent actions by the Trump Administration have raised concerns about its commitment to these values.

    On March 14th, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies, including the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), to reduce the functions and personnel of Voice of America. This move was seen as an attempt to silence a vital source of information and undermine democratic principles.

    Fortunately, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth intervened to block Trump’s efforts to shut down Voice of America. Established during World War 2 to counter Nazi propaganda, Voice of America broadcasts in 48 languages and reaches 425 million listeners worldwide. Despite accusations of being radical and anti-Trump, Voice of America remains a beacon of free speech in nations where the press is censored.

    Lamberth, a Reagan-appointed judge, criticized the administration’s actions as arbitrary and capricious. He emphasized the importance of Voice of America’s longstanding mandate and congressional support, which have allowed it to cultivate a loyal audience over the past eighty years.

    It is clear that Voice of America plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and providing a voice for those who are silenced. Its continued operation is essential for upholding the values of free speech and press freedom around the world.

  • Trump is Leading America down the Wrong Path

    America has historically led the international community after World War II, but now President Trump is single-handedly destroying all the goodwill built with democracies around the world.

    President Donald Trump has spent the first three months of his second term imposing his will on the rest of the globe, telling long-time allies that they “don’t have the cards.” However, in capitals across Europe and beyond, debates are raging over the strategies they can employ.

    “There’s a change in mindset. We’ve moved on from seduction to strategy,” one EU diplomat said about dealing with Trump. “We’ll take decisions to protect ourselves.”

    The diplomat added: “We need to strike a path that works without Washington.” This includes finding alternative suppliers of military equipment, enacting stronger counter-tariffs, rolling back intellectual property protections for U.S. companies, and reducing reliance on American tech giants.

    Trump’s pursuit of a transactional, mercantilist, and imperialist foreign policy has rattled leaders across the globe. From talking about annexing Canada and Greenland to imposing massive tariffs on U.S. trading partners, his actions have caused many allies to shed any last remnants of hope that they could manage or contain this unpredictable American president.

    Trump is leading America down the wrong path, but we must resist. Let’s stand together and fight against the destruction of democracy and goodwill on the global stage.

  • Stop the Tariff Chaos … Trump

    President Trump’s stance on tariffs seems to be wavering, showing a lack of the toughness he often boasts about. It appears that his tough talk may just be all bark and no bite.

    On Tuesday, Trump announced that he plans to significantly reduce the hefty tariff rate on China. Despite his initial bravado, it seems that Trump has blinked first in this trade standoff. China has not backed down and has retaliated with tariffs of their own, seeking out other trading partners to the detriment of American taxpayers and farmers.

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared with investors in Washington his belief that there will be a de-escalation in the trade war between the U.S. and China. However, China’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods continue to pose a challenge.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that U.S. tariffs are contributing to a global economic slowdown, unleashing a major negative shock on the world economy. This stark assessment highlights the far-reaching consequences of Trump’s tariff policies as global finance ministers prepare to convene in Washington.

    Despite Trump’s claims of progress, no meetings or negotiations have been scheduled between the two leaders. It seems that Trump’s promises may be just empty words, leaving the American public in the dark about his true intentions.

  • Trump’s Easter: Golf Over God?

    Trump boasts about how he single-handedly revived religion in America, but what did he do on Easter Sunday? Well, he played golf instead of attending church. Classic move. 

    While the rest of the country was celebrating the resurrection of Christ, Trump was busy hitting the links at his Virginia golf course, firing off angry tweets, and hanging out with his buddy Elon Musk, who apparently had a recent religious awakening.

    The man who has a reputation for his extramarital affairs suddenly found “his faith” while watching Christian TV. How convenient.

    Instead of reflecting on the significance of Easter, Trump went on a tirade against the “Radical Left Lunatics” and criticized judges who dared to question his questionable actions. All while waving to his fellow wealthy club members at his exclusive golf club.

    So to all the MAGA supporters who thought they were electing a devout Christian, think again. Trump’s idea of celebrating Easter involves golf, Twitter rants, and cozying up to billionaires. Thanks for choosing such a religious leader, NOT!

  • Security Breach: Hegseth’s Misconduct with Classified Information

    It’s absolutely mind-boggling to think that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may have been indulging in alcohol once again, considering his reckless decision to share highly sensitive military plans through the third-party messaging app, Signal. This behavior raises serious questions about his judgment and commitment to national security.

    Hegseth has been under scrutiny for his alleged excessive drinking, even while on duty. He promised not to drink if confirmed as Defense Secretary, but recent reports suggest otherwise.

    The New York Times revealed that Hegseth shared classified war plans through a private Signal group chat with his family members, including his wife, brother, personal lawyer, and others from his inner circle. This shocking security breach has raised concerns about potential intelligence compromise with U.S. allies.

    The information discussed in these chats is undoubtedly classified under strict Department of Defense and Office of the Director of National Intelligence guidelines. The implications of this breach are alarming and demand immediate attention.

  • The Point about Kilmar Abrego Garcia is Due Process and the Law

    President Donald Trump is spreading lies about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Trump, a convicted felon, is denying others the due process that he himself received through the legal system. On Easter Day, Trump escalated his attacks on the wrongly deported Maryland immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, by threatening legal action against those who do not support his false claims. Too bad the same does not apply to him!

    In a post on Truth Social, the platform he owns, Trump stated, “Those who lie to the American people on behalf of violent criminals must be held accountable by the agencies and the courts.”

    Despite the guarantees of a free press and the First Amendment in the United States, Trump and his administration continue to falsely portray Abrego Garcia as a violent gang member. They refuse to acknowledge the possibility that he was deported in error, which he was as they admitted in court. 

    Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, fled his country in 2011 due to fear of persecution by gangs. A federal judge found it reasonable to believe that he would face persecution if sent back. Multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have upheld the protective order granted to Abrego Garcia and have instructed the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S.

    It is absolutely clear that Abrego Garcia stands innocent of any felonies, in stark contrast to Trump. The Trump team is shamefully trying to mislead the public with their unfounded claims. In a shocking display, Trump posed with a manipulated image, falsely alleging that it showcases Abrego Garcia’s hands, supposedly featuring the tattooed words “MS-13.” However, that’s nothing but a phony picture, and it only serves to highlight their desperate tactics.

    This is not just about Abrego Garcia; it is about due process and the law. If Trump can deny someone their rights, it sets a dangerous precedent for all Americans. Stand up for justice and the rule of law.

  • James Carville is spot on with two crucial points:

    1. The DNC Vice Chair, David Hogg, is pushing for the ousting of incumbent Democrats in solid blue districts simply because they are older. This is a misguided approach. Carville rightly questions if the real issue in the United States is the age of Democrats in office. Instead of targeting fellow Democrats, the focus should be on defeating Republicans. It is essential to remember that our primary goal is to beat Republicans, not each other. Let’s stay focused on the bigger picture and not get distracted by internal conflicts.

    2. Carville, along with other Democrats, has criticized Bill Maher for his recent dinner with President Trump. Maher’s description of Trump as “gracious and measured” is concerning, especially considering Trump’s harmful policies and actions. Trump’s disregard for the Constitution, his countless lies, criminal convictions, and unethical behavior should not be overlooked. Democrats must stand firm against Trump’s destructive agenda and not be swayed by superficial pleasantries.

    In the Trump era, Democrats must remain true to their values and unite to combat the threats posed by the current administration. Let’s not lose sight of our ultimate goal of reclaiming Congress and stopping Trump’s damaging policies. It is imperative that Democrats prioritize unity and focus on defeating the real opponent, rather than getting caught up in internal divisions. Let’s stay strong, stay focused, and stay united in our mission to protect our democracy.

  • Trump is Sending People to Concentration Camps

    President Trump’s plan to have migrants – and potentially U.S. citizens – rounded up, flown to El Salvador, and confined in a maximum security facility specializing in indefinite detention is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Despite news coverage and criticism acknowledging the illegality and danger of Trump’s vision, the terminology used often falls short of accurately describing the severity of the situation.

    The infamous El Salvadoran facility, the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is holding individuals on behalf of the Trump administration. Referring to the flights as mere deportations to a “prison” is a gross understatement. In reality, President Trump is sending people to what can only be described as a concentration camp. El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and his government have proudly declared that those placed in CECOT have no chance of ever leaving.

    CECOT exhibits all the characteristics of a concentration camp, with individuals being detained indefinitely without due process. This blatant disregard for legal norms is deeply concerning, especially when considering the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding the situation. The administration’s blatant disregard for court orders only adds to the legal concerns surrounding the treatment of these migrants.

    President Trump’s actions should alarm all Americans who value the principles upon which our country was founded. The use of a concentration camp to indefinitely detain individuals goes against everything our nation stands for. It is imperative that we speak out against such egregious violations of human rights and demand justice for those affected by this inhumane treatment.

    We in America bravely fought a war against a nation that perpetrated the horror of concentration camps. Our generation must fiercely remember the invaluable lessons our fathers learned and the immense sacrifices they made in that fight for justice and freedom!

  • Breaking News: Supreme Court has intervened to halt the deportations of Venezuelans

    In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court has intervened to halt the deportations of Venezuelans detained in northern Texas under an ancient wartime law. The court’s swift action came in response to an urgent plea from the American Civil Liberties Union, which raised concerns that immigration authorities were preparing to resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

    In a powerful and decisive move, the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to refrain from removing any Venezuelans held in the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.” This ruling ensures that those facing deportation will have the opportunity to present their case in court and challenge their pending removals.

    This development underscores the importance of due process and the protection of individuals’ rights, even in times of crisis. The Supreme Court’s intervention serves as a beacon of hope for those caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement, offering a glimmer of justice in a tumultuous and uncertain landscape.

  • Farmer in Upstate New York gets Lesson on Trump Tariffs

    Economists are sounding the alarm, cautioning that tariffs will pose a significant financial burden for homeowners and the real estate industry. This is due to the fact that the U.S. heavily relies on Canada for building materials.

    The impact of these tariffs is not limited to homeowners and the real estate sector; American farmers are also feeling the squeeze. A recent story in the Syracuse sheds light on this issue. According to Syracuse.com reporter Geoff Herbert, a dairy farmer named Gilbert, who owns Adon Farms in Potsdam, New York, found himself facing a hefty bill for livestock feed imported from Ontario, Canada. The recent tariff resulted in Gilbert having to pay an extra $2200 for his feed order.

    Despite President Trump’s claims, tariffs are actually paid by domestic importers, not foreign exporters. Gilbert, like many other farmers, is now grappling with the added costs imposed by these tariffs. The situation is further complicated for Adon Farms as the price of the milk they sell is determined by a local co-op, and there are no nearby U.S. suppliers for their feed.

    Additionally, other significant challenges have been pointed out by Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, indicating that several businesses are facing difficulties as well. A local manufacturing company anticipates an increase of $16 million due to rising raw material costs from Canada, while a paper mill is experiencing distress as the specific type of wood required for production is exclusively sourced from northern regions.

    One must wonder, where is Congresswoman Elise Stefanik? The staunch Trump supporter appears to have neglected her voters during a time of urgent need, failing to take decisive action on tariffs and the devastating consequences they have wrought.

    As if things weren’t tough enough, the prospect of levies on fertilizer or farm equipment looms on the horizon. It seems that MAGA land, where Adon Farms is located, is now facing the real-world consequences of Trump’s policies. How do MAGA voters feel about these developments? It’s a question worth pondering as the impact of tariffs hits close to home.