Following Kirk’s death, President Trump has repeatedly and falsely attributed blame to “the left” and the media, leveraging the tragedy to call for increased scrutiny and action against Democratic groups. However, the latest YouGov findings suggest that this approach may not resonate favorably with a significant portion of the electorate and could alienate potential voters.
The poll, conducted by YouGov, found that a notable percentage of respondents believe weaponizing Kirk’s death for political purposes is inappropriate and could have negative consequences for the party employing such tactics.
Political analysts are closely watching the administration’s response, noting that associating a violent crime with political opponents can be a delicate maneuver. The YouGov poll suggests that the public may be wary of such political exploitation, particularly if the claims of responsibility are not substantiated.
The Trump campaign’s response remains defiant, with allies echoing the President’s rhetoric. However, YouGov data suggests this strategy may encounter internal party challenges and external public disapproval, affecting future electoral prospects. The full implications of this poll for the political landscape will unfold in the coming weeks.
In the high-stakes theater of Washington D.C., the script has been flipped. As another government funding deadline looms, the familiar narrative of a Republican faction threatening a shutdown to extract concessions has been turned on its head. This time, it’s the Democrats drawing a hard line in the sand, and the issue at the heart of their ultimatum—healthcare—has left Republican lawmakers stunned and dangerously divided.
For years, the political playbook was predictable: Republicans would leverage a government shutdown to demand cuts or policy changes, while Democrats would decry the tactic as reckless. Now, with a Continuing Resolution (CR) needed to keep the government running, it is Republicans pushing for the stopgap measure and Democrats who are refusing to cooperate without a significant policy win.
The big question, and the singular focus of Democratic lawmakers, is the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Crucial subsidies that help millions of Americans afford their health insurance premiums are set to expire this year. Democrats are demanding that any spending bill include a permanent extension of these subsidies, a move they see as non-negotiable.
“We’ve been clear from the beginning: we will not vote for a spending bill that strips healthcare access from millions of Americans,” a senior Democratic aide stated on condition of anonymity. “If Republicans want to shut down the government to cause insurance premiums to skyrocket, that will be their decision, and they will own it.”
This aggressive stance is a calculated gamble, designed to exploit a deep and growing fissure within the GOP. While the Republican base and a hardline conservative faction remain committed to dismantling “Obamacare,” many moderate and politically vulnerable Republicans see the writing on the wall. They recognize that allowing ACA funding to expire just months before the critical midterm elections would be a catastrophic political own-goal. They would be blamed for rising healthcare costs, handing Democrats a powerful campaign issue.
“This is a no-win situation,” admitted one veteran Republican strategist. “We’re caught between our base, which wants to see the ACA dismantled, and the stark reality that letting these subsidies expire right before an election is political malpractice. The Democrats know it, and they’re pressing their advantage hard.”
This internal conflict is precisely the wedge Democrats hope to drive deeper. Their strategy is twofold: force Republicans to fund a law they have sworn to repeal, or force them to initiate a government shutdown that voters will pin on them and the Trump administration. Either outcome, they believe, works in their favor.
Caught in the middle is President Trump. Despite his well-documented animosity toward the Democratic party, congressional arithmetic is unforgiving. To pass a spending bill and avert a shutdown, he needs Democratic votes. His administration cannot simply strong-arm its way through this fight; it requires a level of bipartisan negotiation that has been largely absent from his presidency.
The coming days will reveal who blinks first in this high-stakes game of legislative chicken. Will Republican leadership risk a politically toxic shutdown and the ire of voters facing higher insurance bills? Or will they concede to Democratic demands, effectively shoring up the signature legislative achievement of the previous administration?
One thing is certain: the power dynamics in Washington have shifted. Democrats are no longer just playing defense; they are on the offensive, and they are willing to use the GOP’s own favorite weapon to secure their top priority.
Blue Press Journal – The White House is reportedly preparing to announce its findings on the causes of autism on Monday, with multiple reports indicating the administration will link the neurological condition to the common over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen. The anticipated announcement is expected to specifically connect the development of autism to pregnant women’s use of the drug, the primary ingredient in medications like Tylenol.
This expected revelation follows a directive from President Donald Trump, who made identifying the cause of autism a top priority. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a prominent voice in this effort, vowing earlier this year to uncover the root cause of what he terms the “autism epidemic.” Kennedy has frequently pointed to the rising rates of autism diagnoses as evidence of an artificial cause, having previously speculated on the mercury-containing vaccine preservative thimerosal, despite repeated analyses failing to establish any association.
However, the medical community is already pushing back against the unconfirmed claims linking acetaminophen to autism. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a statement asserting, “acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy.” ACOG added, “Despite recent unfounded claims, there’s no clear evidence linking prudent use to issues with fetal development.”
Major medical societies, including the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM), align with ACOG’s stance, advising that acetaminophen is safe for use during pregnancy, though they recommend consulting with healthcare providers before taking any medication.
Experts in the field of autism research largely attribute the increase in diagnoses not to an “epidemic” with an artificial cause, but rather to improved detection methods and broader diagnostic criteria since the first formal diagnosis in 1943. The impending White House announcement is poised to reignite a long-standing debate, placing the administration’s claims in direct contrast with established medical consensus.
Blue Press Journal – A growing number of Republican senators are criticizing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr’s threats to take action against Disney’s ABC and late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel in the wake of Kimmel’s comments about the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, calling Carr’s threats “absolutely inappropriate.” Paul’s comments were echoed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who while criticizing Kimmel’s remarks, argued that revoking his broadcasting license set a dangerous precedent for stifling free speech.
“We can disagree with the views expressed, but the FCC shouldn’t be in the business of deciding what Americans can watch or listen to,” Cruz stated.
Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) also voiced their support for Cruz, with Young writing on social media, “Important comments by my colleague on the Commerce Committee, Chairman Ted Cruz. As Americans, we must cherish and protect free speech.”
The editorial page of The Wall Street Journal praised Cruz and other Republicans for pushing back against Carr’s tactics, warning that such efforts to silence critics could come back to haunt the GOP in the future.
The controversy began last week when Carr threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcasting licenses after Kimmel made comments about Kirk’s death that inflamed Republicans and other right-wing figures. In response, ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air indefinitely.
Blue Press Journal – The First Amendment to the United States Constitution enshrines one of the most fundamental rights of American citizens: the freedom of speech. This cornerstone of American democracy guarantees that individuals have the right to express their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retribution. As the Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, “Freedom of speech is the great bulwark against the tyranny…” In recent months, however, the Trump Administration has attempted to limit this essential right, posing a threat to the very fabric of American democracy.
The importance of free speech cannot be overstated. It allows citizens to hold their elected officials accountable, to critique government policies, and to engage in open and honest discussions about the issues that matter most. As the renowned author and intellectual, Noam Chomsky, noted, “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” By attempting to restrict free speech, the Trump Administration undermines the ability of citizens to participate in the democratic process, to shape public opinion, and to bring about meaningful change.
The Trump Administration’s efforts to limit free speech have taken many forms, from attacks on the media and journalists to attempts to restrict protests and demonstrations. These actions have been widely condemned by civil liberties groups, constitutional scholars, and citizens from across the political spectrum. As the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated, “The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy, and any attempt to undermine it is a threat to the very foundations of our society.”
The implications of restricting free speech are far-reaching and have serious consequences for both liberals and conservatives. When the government is allowed to dictate what can and cannot be said, it creates a chilling effect on speech, causing individuals to self-censor and refrain from expressing their opinions. This can lead to a lack of diversity in thought, a stifling of innovation, and a weakening of the democratic process. As the former President Barack Obama once said, “The free flow of information is essential to a functioning democracy.”
Free speech is the lifeblood of American democracy, and any attempts to restrict it are a threat to the rights and freedoms of all citizens. As the Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas once said, “Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”
The federal probe, launched in western Texas in the summer of 2024, was sparked by a tip from a subject in a separate investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Texas, working with the FBI, had gathered evidence of Homan’s alleged wrongdoing, including a $50,000 payment from undercover agents. The investigation was aimed at determining whether Homan had used his position to facilitate future contracts related to border enforcement in exchange for the bribe.
What’s even more disturbing is that the Trump administration’s Department of Justice shut down the investigation, raising serious questions about the President’s involvement in covering up corruption within his own administration. The fact that the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section was asked to join the probe, only to have it shut down, suggests a deliberate attempt to sweep Homan’s alleged misconduct under the rug.
This scandal is a stark reminder of the Trump administration’s disregard for ethics and accountability. The fact that a high-ranking official like Homan was allegedly willing to sell out his position for personal gain is a betrayal of the public trust.
The shutdown of this investigation is a clear example of the Trump administration’s willingness to prioritize loyalty over law and order. It’s a disturbing trend that undermines the very fabric of our democracy.
American people deserve better from their leaders, and it’s imperative that Congress launches a thorough investigation into this matter.
Blue Press Journal – The Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies, particularly the imposition of high tariffs on imported goods, have been touted as a means to achieve a “golden age” of economic growth and prosperity. However, a closer examination of the data reveals that these policies have had a profoundly negative impact on American consumers, resulting in higher prices for everyday goods and services.
According to a recent analysis of federal government statistics, the inflation rate for groceries has surged to 3.1% on an annualized basis, significantly outpacing the 1.8% increase in grocery prices during President Biden’s final year in office. The inflation rate for electricity is even more striking, with a staggering 15.7% increase over the past four months, more than four times the rate during Biden’s final year.
Category
Inflation Rate (Annualized)
Groceries
3.1%
Electricity
15.7%
Overall Inflation
3.1%
The overall inflation rate has also surpassed the rate during Biden’s last 12 months in office, with a current rate of 3.1% compared to 2.8%. This trend is likely to continue, as the effects of the tariffs are still being felt throughout the economy.
Economists had warned that the imposition of tariffs would lead to higher prices, and the data is now bearing out these predictions. As University of Michigan economics professor Justin Wolfers notes, “This is what economists warned would happen. Trump promised these prices would fall. While one could quibble about the rate at which these prices are rising, there’s no question that he hasn’t delivered.”
One of the most extreme examples of the impact of tariffs on prices is the coffee industry, which is experiencing a staggering 63% annualized inflation rate. This is largely due to the 50% import tax on coffee from Brazil, a major coffee exporter. This tax was imposed in response to Brazil’s prosecution of Trump’s friend and ally, Jair Bolsonaro.
The consequences of these policies are likely to be felt by the very voters who supported Trump’s candidacy in the 2024 election. A recent Fox News poll found that “the cost of living” is now Trump’s worst issue, with only 32% of voters approving of his handling of the issue and 67% disapproving.
As the data continues to show, Trump’s “golden age” of tariffs has been a disaster for American consumers. Rather than delivering on his promises of lower prices, his policies have led to higher prices and a declining standard of living. It remains to be seen how the administration will respond to these challenges, but one thing is clear: the American people deserve better than a policy of higher prices and economic uncertainty.
The Trump administration’s trade policies have been a failure, leading to higher prices and a decline in the standard of living for American consumers. The data is clear, and the consequences are real. It is time for the administration to rethink its approach and prioritize the needs of the American people, rather than pursuing a policy of protectionism and economic nationalism.
Blue Press Journal – The Kimmel conundrum: it seems the Trump administration’s attempt to silence the late-night host has backfired in a big way. New polling released Friday suggests that the public is not buying what the Republicans are selling, and instead, they’re calling foul on the FCC’s strong-arming tactics.
But what’s even more interesting is that the public thinks FCC Director Brendan Carr crossed the line with his comments. A full 43% of adults say his remarks were unacceptable, while only 26% think they were okay.
Acceptability of Carr’s Comments
Percentage
Unacceptable
43%
Acceptable
26%
Unsure
31%
As Senator Ted Cruz so aptly put it, “That’s right out of ‘Goodfellas.’ We shouldn’t be threatening government power to force him off air. That’s a real mistake.” Even a Republican as conservative as Cruz recognizes that the FCC’s actions are a clear overreach.
Kimmel’s comments, after all, were not without merit. The Trump administration and its allies have been working overtime to assign blame for Kirk’s murder to the “left,” in a blatant attempt to gin up outrage against Democrats. It’s a tired old tactic, and the public is not buying it.
The Trump administration’s push to silence Kimmel has only served to highlight the very issue he was trying to address. It’s a classic case of shooting oneself in the foot, and the public is not amused.
So, to all the Republicans dancing on Kimmel’s metaphorical grave, beware: the public is watching, and they’re not impressed.
Blue Press Journal 9/19/2025 – In a humiliating blow to President Donald Trump, a federal judge has dismissed his defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, citing a complaint that was deemed too lengthy and rambling to meet the basic standards of federal court. The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, accused the newspaper of defaming Trump in an opinion piece that suggested his campaign had a secret deal with Russia to defeat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
Judge Steven Merryday, a George H.W. Bush appointee, threw out the complaint under Rule 8 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which requires complaints to contain “a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.” In a scathing rebuke, Merryday reminded Trump’s attorney that a complaint is not a platform for “vituperation and invective” or a “megaphone for public relations,” but rather a concise and legally sound statement of claims.
The dismissal is a significant setback for Trump, who has a history of using lawsuits to silence his critics and intimidate the media. The lawsuit was widely seen as an attempt to bully The New York Times into retracting its opinion piece and apologizing for its criticism of Trump. However, the judge’s ruling makes it clear that Trump’s complaint failed to meet even the most basic standards of legal pleading.
The ruling is also a victory for the First Amendment and the freedom of the press to criticize public figures without fear of reprisal. The New York Times and other media outlets have been subject to repeated attacks by Trump, who has labeled them “fake news” and “enemies of the people.” However, the judge’s ruling suggests that such attacks will not be tolerated in a court of law.
In a week that began with Trump’s bombastic and overwrought complaint, it is fitting that it should end with a judge throwing out the lawsuit and reminding Trump’s attorney of the basic rules of legal pleading. As Merryday’s ruling makes clear, the courts will not be used as a platform for Trump’s personal vendettas or public relations campaigns. The rule of law applies to everyone, including the President of the United States.
Blue Press Journal – In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s tragic killing, a striking paradox has emerged: conservatives, once vocal critics of cancel culture, are now embracing it with alarming fervor. The impulse to condemn those who celebrated the murder is understandable, but the hypocrisy is glaring. Conservatives, who long championed free speech and open discourse, are now calling for individuals to be fired and ostracized for online remarks, effectively mirroring the very “progressive scolds” they once denounced.
This about-face is particularly galling, as it echoes the same dynamics that drove some to support Donald Trump in 2024. The “woke right” has adopted a more aggressive and official approach to censorship, potentially violating not only the spirit but also the letter of the 1st Amendment. The Attorney General’s threat to prosecute printers who refuse to print vigil posters and to target individuals for “hate speech” is a chilling example of this trend.
The First Amendment’s sacred right to freedom of speech boldly stands as a fierce guardian against the oppressive grasp of government censorship, ensuring that not only can we express ourselves freely, but we also have the unassailable right to receive information! It fiercely dismisses any discrimination against speakers, protecting the voice of every individual, while shielding them from unjust tort liability for their words. Furthermore, it vehemently prohibits the government from imposing its will on individuals and corporations, refusing to allow anyone to be coerced into uttering or financially endorsing speech that goes against their deeply held beliefs!
The irony is compounded by the fact that conservatives are now advocating for the same kind of coercive measures they once criticized progressives for. The demand that printers must produce images for vigils is eerily reminiscent of the controversy over bakers being forced to cater to gay weddings. The Charlie Kirk Data Foundation’s searchable list of individuals who posted mean tweets has already led to a purge, with prominent figures like Jimmy Kimmel facing suspension.
As comedian Tim Dillon astutely observed, the Trump agenda bears an unsettling resemblance to the dystopian scenarios once warned about by conspiracy theorists. The erosion of values, morals, and principles in favor of political expediency is a grim reality. The notion that free speech, limited government, and fiscal restraint are sacrosanct only when convenient is a stark reminder that, in the Trump era, hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Blue Press Journal 