Blue Press Journal

Author: Staff Reporter

  • Federal Workers Union Denounces White House Threat of Mass Firings as “Political Games”

    Blue Press Journal – The largest federal workers union has spoken out against the White House’s threat of mass firings in the event of a government shutdown next week, calling it a desperate attempt to distract from the reality of the situation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo on Wednesday, instructing federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs if the government shuts down on October 1. However, the union argues that this threat is nothing more than a political ploy to shift the blame away from the Republican Party’s inability to pass a funding bill without Democratic support.

    According to the memo, agencies should consider firing workers involved in programs that are not funded by other laws, such as the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and that are “not consistent with the president’s priorities.” However, the Democratic Party has proposed a plan to keep the government running through October 31, which includes reversing Medicaid cuts and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has denounced the OMB’s memo as “an attempt at intimidation” and argued that the mass firings threatened by the OMB would not stand up in court. “Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare,” said Schumer. “This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government. These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

    The federal workers union agrees with Schumer’s assessment, stating that the White House’s threat of mass firings is a clear attempt to distract from the fact that the Republican Party needs Democratic support to pass its funding bill. The union argues that the GOP must agree to reverse massive healthcare cuts in order to get Democratic support, and that the threat of mass firings is simply a negotiating tactic.

    As the deadline for a government shutdown approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. However, the federal workers union will continue fighting against the White House’s attempts to intimidate and distract from the real issues. As Schumer said, “This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government.” The American people deserve a government that works for them, not against them.

  • Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted After Trump Puts Pressure On DOJ

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about the politicization of the justice system, the Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey on Thursday. The indictment comes after President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Attorney General Pam Bondi bring charges against Comey, a longtime nemesis of the president.

    Trump’s expectations for an indictment were made clear in a September 20 post on his Truth Social platform, in which he argued that Comey, along with other political enemies such as Senator Adam Schiff and Attorney General Letitia James of New York, are “all guilty as hell” and that the DOJ has a “GREAT CASE” against them. The president ended his post with an urgent demand: “JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!”

    The indictment of Comey is a significant development, but it is also a troubling one. Trump has long slammed Comey for leading a “witch hunt” against him, despite the fact that the Russia investigation, which was taken over by special counsel Robert Mueller after Trump fired Comey, determined that Russia did attempt to influence the 2016 election.

    A report from the Department of Justice’s Inspector General determined that James Comey contravened agency policies by disclosing information from the memos. While these memos included classified information, the Inspector General did not uncover any evidence indicating that Comey had leaked any classified details from the documents.

    Moreover, the circumstances surrounding the indictment are suspect. Trump recently forced acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert out of his job because he hadn’t secured indictments against Comey and another target of the president’s ire, James. Days before Siebert handed in his resignation, sources told The New York Times that he had told his superiors at the Justice Department that the cases against Comey and James were weak and unlikely to result in charges.

    The indictment of Comey raises concerns about the Justice Department’s independence and the integrity of the justice system. Trump’s demands for action seem to have influenced the decision to indict, undermining impartial justice. The American people deserve assurance that the justice system is not a tool for political revenge or personal vendettas.

  • New Poll: Swing District Voters Favor Trump Impeachment, Cite Erosion of Democracy

    Blue Press Journal – A groundbreaking new poll reveals a significant shift in sentiment among voters in crucial swing congressional districts, with a plurality now supporting the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The survey, conducted by Lake Research Partners for the progressive advocacy group Free Speech For People, indicates that 49% of voters in these battleground districts favor impeachment, while 44% oppose it.

    More striking than the overall support is the intensity of feeling surrounding the issue. A robust 45% of swing district voters strongly support removing President Trump from office. This figure notably surpasses the total number of individuals who oppose his impeachment, underscoring the deep divisions and conviction among a substantial portion of the electorate.

    The poll also paints a stark picture of President Trump’s broader standing in these competitive areas. Only 40% of swing district voters approve of his job performance, with a clear majority of 56% expressing opposition. Furthermore, the intensity of opposition is considerable, with 54% of respondents strongly disagreeing with his presidency, a margin nearly 20 points wider than the 35% who strongly support him.

    “All of these actions show Trump is actively dismantling the public institutions and constitutional protections that safeguard our democracy,” Hostetler stated. She emphasized that the President’s “assault on the Constitution and the rule of law are purposeful, and they are impeachable.”

    The poll surveyed voters in 17 swing congressional districts, often pivotal in electoral outcomes. The data suggests that concerns over President Trump’s conduct are resonating with a passionate segment of the American electorate in these districts, potentially reshaping the political landscape amid calls for accountability.

  • Trump’s Latest Move: A Troubling Escalation in the Politicization of Justice

    Blue Press Journal – In a shocking and concerning development, President Donald Trump has appointed Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old former Florida insurance lawyer with no experience as a prosecutor, as the new US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked widespread criticism, as it appears to be a blatant attempt to weaponize the Justice Department and harass Trump’s perceived enemies.

    Halligan’s lack of experience is staggering, with only three federal cases under her belt, compared to her predecessor Erik Siebert’s extensive experience in 675 federal cases. Siebert, a seasoned federal prosecutor, was forced out of his position after refusing to bring charges against two of Trump’s high-profile critics, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, due to a lack of evidence.

    As the Washington Post reports, “People familiar with the cases told the Washington Post that there was not enough evidence to move forward with either.” Despite this, Trump is pushing forward with Halligan’s appointment, seemingly intent on using her as a tool to target those who have crossed him. As one observer noted, “Her mandate from the president is not to pursue what is normally considered justice, but to subject people who have gone after Trump to legal harassment.”

    This move is a troubling escalation in Trump’s efforts to politicize the Justice Department and undermine the rule of law. As Trump’s former lawyer and White House aide, Halligan’s appointment raises serious questions about her ability to remain impartial and uphold the principles of justice. “Instead of accepting the lack of evidence, Trump is trying to make Halligan—his former lawyer and White House aide—into the legal equivalent of a contract killer,” a critic noted.

    The implications of this appointment are disturbing. If allowed to stand, it could set a precedent for using the Justice Department as a tool for political retribution, rather than a guardian of justice. As the country watches, the integrity of the Justice Department and the rule of law are under threat.

  • Schumer Denounces White House Memo as “Attempt at Intimidation” Ahead of Potential Government Shutdown

    Blue Press Journal – In a stark warning, a new memo from the White House budget office has suggested that mass firings of federal workers could be on the table if a government shutdown occurs. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) has swiftly denounced the memo, labeling it “an attempt at intimidation” by the Trump administration.

    The memo’s release comes as government funding is set to expire on September 30, with many predicting a shutdown as likely next week. Schumer, who was scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House on Thursday to discuss a funding deal, saw the meeting cancelled by the President. The cancellation has only added to the tensions between the two sides.

    Schumer has predicted that any attempt by the administration to use a shutdown as a justification to fire thousands of federal workers would be overturned by federal courts. “Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one — not to govern, but to scare,” Schumer said in a statement. “This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government. These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

    The Senate Democratic Leader’s criticism reflects the deepening divide between the White House and Congressional Democrats over the budget and funding priorities. With the clock ticking down to the September 30 deadline, the likelihood of a shutdown appears to be growing by the day.

    The White House memo has been seen by many as a transparent attempt to strong-arm Democrats into acquiescing to the administration’s demands. However, Schumer’s response suggests that Democrats will not be intimidated, and will instead push back against what they see as a blatant attempt to politicize the budget process.

  • Tariff Uncertainty Proves Fatal for New York North Country Chocolate Company

    Blue Press Journal – Apothecary Chocolates, a specialty chocolate company based in Colton, NY, has closed its doors due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their impact on the global cocoa market. The company’s owner, Shelby Connelly, cited the fear of impending tariffs as a major factor in her decision to shutter the business.

    Connelly founded Apothecary Chocolates in 2017, using European chocolate product Callebaut to create unique chocolate bars and truffles. However, the cost of Callebaut skyrocketed from $90 per 22-pound bag in 2017 to $250 per bag this spring, following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on cocoa-bean producing countries. Despite efforts to find alternative suppliers, Connelly was unable to mitigate the price increases, which ultimately made it impossible for the business to operate.

    The price hikes were not only caused by tariffs, but also by market uncertainty and fear. Suppliers hesitated to produce and distribute cocoa beans, leading to shortages and price increases, which were too much for the small business to overcome.

    Connelly is quick to acknowledge that other factors, such as COVID-19-related price hikes and increasing packaging costs, also contributed to the company’s demise. However, the tariff-induced panic was the final nail in the coffin. The fact that the issue was not related to cocoa bean production, but rather a global trade situation, made it particularly difficult for Connelly to accept.

    The closure of Apothecary Chocolates has not only affected Connelly but also her three full-time chocolatiers, who have lost their jobs. Connelly, who also works as an acupuncturist, is particularly concerned about the impact on her former employees, who relied on the company as their sole source of income.

  • Economic Concerns Mount: Trump’s Approval Sees a Dip

    Blue Press Journal

    Recent survey data indicates a noticeable shift in public sentiment regarding President Trump’s administration, particularly concerning economic issues. A new poll reveals that more than half of Americans now believe the U.S. economy is headed in the wrong direction, contributing to a tick down in the President’s overall approval ratings.

    Conducted from September 19-21 among 1,019 Americans with a margin of error of 3 percentage points, the survey shines a spotlight on an evolving economic outlook among the populace. A significant 54 percent of respondents expressed that the nation’s economy is currently on the wrong track. This figure represents a slight increase from August’s 53 percent and a more notable rise from July’s 52 percent, suggesting a growing apprehension about the economic trajectory. The trend indicates a consistent uptick in skepticism over the past few months.

    When it comes to the President’s direct handling of economic matters, approval numbers remain relatively low. Just over a third of respondents, 35 percent, approved of President Trump’s approach to the economy. Even more telling is the public’s perception of his administration’s efforts to address the cost of living – a direct and tangible concern for many households. Less than three-in-ten Americans, specifically 28 percent, approved of President Trump’s handling of this crucial issue.

    Further complicating the economic picture is the recent fluctuation in employment figures. The unemployment rate, a key indicator of economic health, saw an increase last month, rising to 4.3 percent.

    These findings suggest a population uneasy about the nation’s economic course. The rise in those feeling the economy is on the wrong track, paired with low approval for the President’s economic management, signals potential “buyers remorse” among voters, indicating that the Trump’s administration struggles to convince most Americans of its effectiveness in managing economic challenges.

  • House Gains Momentum to Unseal Jeffrey Epstein Documents

    Blue Press Journal – In a significant development, the House of Representatives has finally garnered the necessary support to demand the release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The momentum shift came after Democrat Adelita Grijalva’s victory in the special election for Arizona’s 7th District on Tuesday. Grijalva’s win is expected to tip the scales in favor of transparency, as she has pledged to sign a petition calling for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to unseal the Epstein files.

    The petition, which now boasts 218 signatures, crosses party lines, with a handful of Republicans joining their Democratic counterparts in demanding accountability. The magic number of 218 signatures is crucial, as it triggers a vote on the matter. While it is uncertain whether President Donald Trump’s DOJ will comply with the request, the mounting pressure from lawmakers may ultimately lead to the release of the long-sought documents.

    Epstein, a onetime close friend of President Trump, was embroiled in a high-profile sex trafficking scandal before his death in August 2019. The DOJ’s handling of the case has been shrouded in controversy, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death and the extent of his connections to powerful figures.

  • Trump vs. Free Speech: Parallels to McCarthyism

    Blue Press Journal – The Trump administration’s latest antics have drawn eerie parallels to the dark days of McCarthyism, a period in American history when Senator Joseph McCarthy’s witch hunt for communists led to a chilling assault on free speech and dissent. The country survived that era, but the question remains: will it survive the onslaught of Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies?

    US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order labeling Antifa as a “domestic terrorist organization,” condemning it for allegedly recruiting and radicalizing young Americans for political violence. Antifa, a loosely organized movement against far-right, racist, and fascist entities, has consistently drawn Trump’s ire. Studies indicate that historically, more political violence in the US has been linked to right-wing ideologies than to left-wing ones.

    As Trump himself once promised, “We’re going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.” This thinly veiled threat to the free press has been followed by a series of actions that undermine the very fabric of democracy. The labeling of the press as “the enemy of the American people” is a stark reminder of the dangers of a government that seeks to silence dissenting voices. As Noam Chomsky aptly put it, “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.”

    The recent targeting of Antifa, a loose network of anti-fascist groups, is a case in point. By attempting to designate Antifa as a terrorist organization, the Trump administration is engaging in a blatant attack on political dissent and free speech. As journalist Glenn Greenwald noted, “The purpose of this rhetoric is to criminalize dissent, to make it a crime to oppose the policies of the government.” This rhetoric is not only dangerous but also Orwellian in its scope, as it seeks to redefine the very meaning of terrorism to include peaceful protest and dissent.

    The implications of this move are far-reaching and sinister. As historian Timothy Snyder warned, “The road to tyranny is always paved with the suppression of dissent.” The Trump administration’s actions are a stark reminder that the democratic left must remain vigilant in its defense of free speech and reject the creeping authoritarianism that threatens to engulf the nation.

    The Trump administration’s attempts to silence dissenting voices must be met with fierce resistance and an unwavering commitment to the principles of free speech and democracy. The country’s very future depends on it. As the great journalist Edward R. Murrow once said, “We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason.” The time to stand up against this emerging Trump dictatorship is now.

  • Trump’s baseless claims on Tylenol spark concern and criticism

    Blue Press Journal – In a shocking statement, President Donald Trump declared that Tylenol is “not good” and advised women to only take it if they “can’t tough it out.” This announcement, made without any scientific backing, has raised eyebrows and sparked widespread criticism. Trump’s remarks were made alongside Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former television host and current Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

    The President’s claim that Tylenol could prolong viral illnesses among children is unsubstantiated and contradicts established medical knowledge. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is widely considered a safe and effective treatment for fever and pain in children, as long as it is taken under the guidance of a physician.

    Trump’s statement also perpetuates a harmful stereotype that women are not capable of withstanding pain, implying that they should only seek medical relief if they are unable to “tough it out.” This lack of empathy and understanding has been widely criticized, with many pointing out that pain management is a critical aspect of healthcare, particularly for women who may experience menstrual cramps, childbirth, and other unique health challenges.

    Furthermore, Trump’s assertion that there is no autism in Amish communities is factually inaccurate. While the Amish community may have lower reported rates of autism, this is likely due to underdiagnosis and lack of access to healthcare services, rather than any inherent difference in the prevalence of the condition.

    The absence of scientific evidence to support Trump’s claims has led many to question the credibility of his advisors, including Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have repeatedly emphasized the importance of vaccine safety and efficacy, yet Trump’s team seems to be promoting unsubstantiated and misleading information.