Blue Press Journal

Tag: donald-trump

  • The Double Standard of Alertness: Why Trump’s Sleep Habits Deserve Scrutiny

    Blue Press Journal – In the high-stakes arena of presidential politics, image is everything. The perception of strength, vitality, and unwavering attention is a currency more valuable than almost any other. Just over a year ago, this perception was weaponized effectively against one candidate. Now, with the roles reversed, the same weapon seems to have lost its edge, raising critical questions about media narratives and political hypocrisy.

    The issue is one of basic alertness. Multiple reports have surfaced detailing instances where President Donald Trump has appeared to doze off during his own criminal trial—a proceeding that concerns his personal and political future. This follows a pattern observed during his presidency. As one report noted, “while his secretaries went around the table, the 79-year-old president might have looked to some as though he may have dozed off a few times, eyes closed, head nodding down at this weeks cabinet meeting” Furthermore, it’s clear his schedule is often shortened to just five hours of work each day.

    So why are we talking about this? The reason is not a shallow fixation on a presidents energy levels. It is, instead, a matter of consistency and the standards we set for the most powerful office on earth.

    “Well, it’s something that Trump himself made a central issue on the campaign trail a year ago.”

    This is the crux of the matter. The Donald Trump relentlessly attacked President Biden’s age and mental acuity, making the idea of an enfeebled leader a cornerstone of his campaign rhetoric. He positioned himself as a paragon of energy and sharpness. The emergence of these reports, therefore, creates a stark contrast. “Obviously there’s like a level of hypocrisy here about, you know, his own ability to remain really alert and awake, as in performing his duties.”

    This leads to the most frustrating question for many observers: “There’s a lot of frustration among Democrats about why isn’t this sort of thing sticking with Trump when it’s stuck with Biden?”

    The disparity in coverage from the main news media and public perception is undeniable. For one candidate, a moment of fatigue becomes a weeks-long narrative about cognitive decline. For the other, it is often dismissed as a momentary lapse or ignored altogether. This isn’t about defending one or attacking another; it is about applying a single, consistent standard to anyone who seeks the immense responsibility of the presidency.

    We must move beyond the political gamesmanship. This is not a trivial matter. The presidency demands relentless focus, comprehension of complex global issues, and the ability to make swift, critical decisions under pressure. Clearly, age is affecting Trump’s performance, and it is a non-partisan issue that deserves honest discussion from all sides.

    Let’s remember the old political ad that asked who you wanted answering the 3 a.m. phone call, their finger on the nuclear button. The image of a leader asleep at the table, whether metaphorical or literal, should give every voter pause. The integrity of the office demands that we hold every candidate to the same high standard of alertness and engagement, regardless of party. Our national security depends on it.

    THE MAIN STREET MEDIA CAN NOT GIVE A PASS TO TRUMP…THEY NEED TO COVER IT THE SAME WAY THAT THEY DID JOE BIDEN.

  • Trump’s Approval Rating Takes a Hit as Voters Assess His Policies

    60 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Trump’s doing

    Blue Press Journal – A new Gallup poll released on Friday has revealed a dismal picture for President Donald Trump, with his approval rating sinking to 36 percent, just one point higher than its lowest point since taking office. The poll, which comes as Trump nears the midpoint of his term, shows that 60 percent of Americans disapprove of the job he’s doing, a stark reminder that his policies and actions are facing intense scrutiny from the public.

    Trump’s numbers have been underwhelming since his return to the Oval Office in January, with his approval rating stuck between 40 percent and 41 percent in the intervening months. The latest poll suggests that his policies on immigration and the economy, two key areas he’s focused on, are not resonating with voters. His approval rating on these issues stands at 37 percent and 36 percent, respectively, while his handling of healthcare policy has earned a meager 30 percent approval rating.

    The pollsters noted that Trump’s standing with the American people has been damaged by the longest shutdown of the federal government, Republican Party losses in the 2025 elections, and concerns about affordability. The combined effect of these factors “could be a sign of trouble for Republicans in next year’s midterm elections,” Gallup warned, as the GOP tries to maintain control of the federal government.

    Trump’s response to criticism has been to lash out at the press, exemplified by his bizarre outburst earlier this month when he told an ABC News reporter to “Quiet, piggy” while she asked about the Justice Department’s release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This behavior only adds to the perception that Trump is out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Americans.

    As the midterm elections draw near, Trump’s plummeting approval rating and the GOP’s mounting electoral defeats are transforming into an undeniable burden for the party. The signs are unmistakable: Trump’s policies and outrageous behavior are failing to connect with the electorate, and it is high time for Republicans to engage in a serious introspection about their path forward.

  • The Payoff: Trump Turns Campaign Committees Into Personal Profit Centers, Funneling Donor Cash to His Hotels

    Blue Press Journal – November 29, 2025

    OPINION & ANALYSIS

    Donald J. Trump has leveraged his brand, his political apparatus, and even the vestiges of his former office to amass unprecedented personal wealth. But even as the public eye focuses on multi-million dollar deals involving crypto tokens and foreign entities, a deeper and perhaps more cynical mechanism of self-enrichment continues unabated: the direct funneling of Republican donor money into his own cash registers via the political committees he controls.

    A recent analysis of Federal Election Commission (FEC) data reveals a stark pattern of political spending being used primarily to prop up the former president’s private businesses, confirming the suspicion that for Trump, the political process is a profoundly effective business model.

    In the 10 months since he returned to the spotlight following his exit from office, Trump’s hotels and country clubs have collected approximately $1.1 million from Republican candidates and committees. Crucially, nearly four-fifths of that sum—a staggering $857,246—originated from entities that Trump himself dictates and manages.

    Leading the charge is the Republican National Committee (RNC), which has poured at least $796,513 into Trump properties. Additionally, MAGA Inc., Trump’s primary Super PAC, added $60,733 to that tally. In effect, major GOP fundraising engines, fueled by grassroots donations meant to elect Republicans nationwide, are instead serving as the former president’s captive clients.

    Grifting in Plain Sight

    This highly formalized process of self-dealing, which converts political contributions into corporate revenue, has drawn sharp rebuke from ethics watchdogs.

    Jordan Libowitz, head of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), highlighted the significance of these continuous smaller drains on donor funds. “When Trump rakes in tens of millions of dollars from crypto deals, it’s easy to miss when he grifts hundreds of thousands of dollars from his political apparatus, but those numbers add up,” Libowitz stated. “Ask an average American if they think pocketing $800,000 is a big deal or chump change.”

    The transparency of the transaction is perhaps the most audacious element. Campaign funds, gathered under the banner of political necessity, are being used to pay for overhead, events, and stays at resorts that perpetually carry the Trump name—a move that virtually guarantees the highest possible margin of profit for the owner. There is no competitive bidding process, only the implicit mandate that political activity supporting Trump must also financially benefit him.

    Algorithms of Loyalty

    This continuous revenue stream relies on the unshakeable loyalty of Trump’s base and the strategic effectiveness of his fundraising machine.

    One anonymous GOP consultant familiar with the operation confirmed that the success is highly systematic, driven not by fresh political messaging, but by refined methods aimed at dedicated followers. “It is all algorithms that are paying off,” the consultant noted, suggesting that the committees are exploiting established formulas and scripts that reliably drain small-dollar donations, which are then routed to the Trump Organization.

    A Pattern of Monetizing Power

    This dedicated use of political committees as profit centers fits seamlessly into Trump’s broader, aggressive strategy of monetizing the influence derived from his public life.

    The funneling of nearly $860,000 in committee funds is merely the tip of an ice-cold pattern of financial opportunism. Trump recently used the imprimatur of the White House—which he occupied years ago—to stage a dinner honoring the largest purchasers of his deeply controversial crypto “meme” coins.

    Furthermore, his willingness to use taxpayer funds to promote his private interests is well-documented. Last year, he spent an estimated $10 million of taxpayer funds to speak at the grand opening of his golf course in Aberdeen, Scotland, an event the White House was inappropriately pressured to publicize.

    Perhaps most troubling are the apparent quid pro quo arrangements involving foreign nations. Earlier this year, Trump reportedly solicited a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar for temporary use as Air Force 1 before it is supposedly handed over to his presidential library. This request came only after Qatar was granted significant military concessions, including permission to use an Air Force Base in Idaho and a powerful, NATO-like security guarantee should the nation be attacked.

    Make Tump Rich Again (MTRA)

    These combined strategies—from using committees to pay exorbitant hotel fees to soliciting massive gifts from countries receiving favorable foreign policy treatment—paint a clear picture: Donald Trump views the political sphere less as a venue for public service and more as the ultimate vehicle for personal, unrestricted wealth accumulation. The political apparatus that donors assume is working to secure victory for the Republican cause is, in reality, ensuring the financial security of one man’s private empire.

  • Trump’s Retribution: A Threat to US Democracy

    BLUE PRESS JOURNAL – The Trump administration’s tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of retribution against perceived political opponents, a campaign promise that has become a defining characteristic of his governance. A thorough Reuters analysis has revealed that at least 470 individuals, organizations, and institutions have been targeted, averaging over one target per day, either by name or as part of broader purges. This systematic approach to punishment has raised concerns about the erosion of norms in US governance and the weaponization of executive power.

    The administration’s actions have taken various forms, including punitive measures such as firings and suspensions, threats of investigations and penalties, and coercion to force organizations to roll back diversity initiatives. At least 36 orders have been issued, targeting over 100 individuals and entities with punitive actions. The firing of prosecutors who investigated Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, penalizing media organizations and law firms tied to opponents, and sidelining civil servants who questioned his policies are stark examples of this retribution.

    However, the Trump administration disputes the notion that it is driven by a desire for revenge, instead framing its actions as necessary to enforce the electoral mandate and hold individuals accountable for wrongdoing. This justification, however, is contested by experts who argue that the scale and systematic nature of Trump’s retribution efforts represent a significant departure from long-standing norms in US governance. The parallels drawn to former President Richard Nixon’s quest for vengeance are particularly striking, highlighting the alarming implications of Trump’s actions.

    Many of Trump’s targets have challenged their punishments as illegal, filing administrative appeals or legal challenges claiming wrongful termination. While these actions have been cheered by Trump’s staunchest backers, who view them as a necessary response to perceived injustices against Trump, they raise serious concerns about the rule of law and the independence of institutions.

    The Trump administration’s retribution efforts have significant implications for the US governance system. By wielding executive power to punish perceived foes, the administration is undermining the principles of accountability and transparency that underpin democratic governance. The systematic nature of these efforts suggests a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence opponents, rather than a legitimate effort to enforce the law.

    The Trump administration’s pursuit of retribution against perceived political opponents is a troubling trend that threatens the foundations of US democracy. As the administration continues to wield executive power to punish its foes, it is imperative that the courts and other institutions remain vigilant in defending the rule of law and upholding the principles of accountability and transparency.

  • Tennessee 7th District Election: A Shift in GOP Fortunes

    BLUE PRESS JOURNAL – The special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, initially considered a safe Republican seat after Donald Trump won it by over 22% in 2024, has unexpectedly become intensely competitive. Both Republicans and Democrats are heavily investing funds, with Republicans fearing that Trump’s current unpopularity and the off-year timing could lead to an upset loss for their candidate, Matt Van Epps, against Democrat Aftyn Behn.

    An Emerson College poll recently revealed the race is a dead heat, with Van Epps holding a narrow 2-point lead at 49% to Behn’s 47%. This represents a significant shift from mid-October, when Van Epps led by 8-10 points. The poll indicates a crucial divide: Behn leads among early voters (56% to 42%), while Van Epps is ahead with those planning to vote on Election Day (51% to 39%), emphasizing the importance of turnout.

    This tightening race aligns with a national trend where Democrats have consistently overperformed in special elections since Trump’s return to office. Recognizing the severe implications, Donald Trump has personally intervened, urging his supporters to vote for Van Epps.

    The outcome of this election carries serious consequences for the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. A loss for Van Epps would reduce the GOP’s majority to a bare minimum of 218 seats. With the impending resignation of Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in January, the party could potentially lose its majority altogether before the 2026 midterms. Internally, there is growing discontent among House Republicans towards Speaker Mike Johnson for his unwavering defense of Trump, with some predicting more resignations and even Johnson losing his gavel due to low morale. Regardless of the final result, a close contest in a historically safe Republican district like Tennessee’s 7th is a grim indicator for the GOP’s prospects in the 2026 midterms, signaling potential widespread losses if they struggle to defend such seats.

  • Democrats Gear Up for Full-Court Press on DOJ to Release Epstein Files

    Blue Press Journal – In a significant victory for Democrats, Republicans have finally agreed to legislation that compels the Trump administration to release the full files on Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. However, Democrats are not celebrating just yet, as they anticipate a long and arduous battle to ensure the Justice Department complies with the new law.

    The next phase of the battle is already taking shape, with Democrats planning a series of tactical maneuvers designed to keep the spotlight on the issue and pressure the Justice Department to release the documents. “It will definitely be a fight every day for a long time until we get all the materials released,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

    The stakes are high, and Democrats are wary of the Trump administration’s intentions. Despite the new legislation, Democrats have no faith that Trump’s newfound support for releasing the files is sincere. They are bracing for another long battle to force the administration to honor the law, much like they have with other issues.

    The Justice Department has thus far only turned over a fraction of the information in its possession, according to a source familiar with the House Oversight Investigation. This has raised concerns among Democrats that the DOJ may try to delay or withhold the release of the documents.

    Adding fuel to the fire, Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, has opened a new investigation into Democratic associates of Epstein, citing “new information“, which many view as a stall tactic by her. This development has sparked fears that the DOJ will invoke the ongoing probe to delay the mandatory release of the files indefinitely.

    Bondi’s investigation has been seen as a potential pretext for the DOJ to slow-walk the release of the Epstein files. Democrats are not taking this lying down, and are preparing to use every tool at their disposal to keep the pressure on the Justice Department. Letters, lawsuits, additional subpoenas, and votes of contempt are all on the table as Democrats seek to ensure that the documents are released.

    “We’re not going to let the Trump administration off the hook,” said Rep. Raskin. “We’re going to keep pushing until we get to the truth.”

    The Epstein case has been a contentious issue for months, with Democrats demanding greater transparency and accountability from the Trump administration. The release of the Epstein files is seen as a critical step in uncovering the truth about the extent of Epstein’s crimes and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials, including Donald Trump.

    As the battle to release the Epstein files intensifies, it’s clear that Democrats are committed. They are preparing for a prolonged fight to ensure the Justice Department follows the law and releases the documents, as the American people deserve.

    Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting updates on this wild story, because the Blue Press Journal is digging into every jaw-dropping twist and turn!

  • The Texas Test: Will Republicans Uphold Their Own Gerrymandering Rules?

    A question that challenges the very essence of democracy itself, as it stands before the Supreme Court.

    Blue Press Journal – The Republican Party’s commitment to integrity is about to be put to the test once again, this time in Texas. A federal district court has blocked the state’s redrawn congressional map from taking effect, leaving the GOP majority with a difficult decision: will they uphold the gerrymandering rules they created, or will they turn a blind eye to Texas’ racial gerrymandering?

    The controversy surrounding Texas’ congressional map is not new. In 2021, the state’s Republican-led legislature redrew the map to favor their party, sparking allegations of racial gerrymandering. The new map was challenged in court, and on Tuesday, a federal district court ruled that it was likely unconstitutional, blocking its implementation.

    This development is significant, coming on the heels of several Supreme Court decisions that have made it easier for state legislatures to gerrymander their congressional maps. In 2019, Chief Justice John Roberts ruled in Rucho v. Common Cause that partisan gerrymandering claims are non-justiciable, effectively allowing state legislatures to rig their maps to protect their own party. As Roberts himself wrote, “The federal courts have no power to resolve” partisan gerrymandering claims.

    However, this decision, combined with last year’s ruling in Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, has created a worrying precedent. In Alexander, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that if a redrawn map hurts minority voters but legislators can plausibly claim it was drawn for partisan gain, courts must presume that “the legislature acted in good faith” and rule in their favor. This has effectively created a roadmap for state legislatures to bypass the Constitution’s prohibition on racial gerrymandering.

    As Elora Mukherjee, a law professor at Columbia University, noted, “The Supreme Court’s decisions have made it increasingly difficult to challenge gerrymandered maps in court.” She added, “The Texas case is a test of whether the Republican Party will uphold their own rules and ensure that their gerrymandering does not harm minority voters.”

    The Texas case is particularly egregious, as the state’s redrawn map appears to have been designed to disenfranchise minority voters. The map would have reduced the number of majority-minority districts, making it harder for minority communities to elect representatives of their choice.

    As the Republican Party grapples with this issue, they must confront the consequences of their own actions. By creating a framework that allows for partisan gerrymandering, they have opened the door to racial gerrymandering. Now, they must decide whether to uphold their own rules or turn a blind eye to Texas’ racial gerrymandering.

    As The New York Times editorial board wrote, “The Supreme Court’s decisions have emboldened state legislatures to push the boundaries of gerrymandering.” The Texas case is a stark reminder that the fight against gerrymandering is far from over.

    In a statement, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund said, “The Texas case is a critical test of the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring that voting rights are protected.” The organization’s president, Janai Nelson, added, “We will continue to fight against gerrymandering in all its forms, and we will not back down in the face of attempts to disenfranchise minority voters.”

    As the Texas case makes its way through the courts, one thing is clear: the integrity of the Republican Party will be on full display. Will they uphold their own gerrymandering rules, or will they allow Texas’ racial gerrymandering to slide? The answer will have significant implications for the future of democracy in America.

    In the words of Rucho v. Common Cause dissenting Justice Elena Kagan, “The Court’s decision today will have disastrous consequences for representative democracy.” The Texas case is a stark reminder that the consequences of gerrymandering are very real, and that the fight for fair representation is far from over.

  • Navigating the ObamaCare Cliff: GOP’s Dwindling Options

    The Stakes are High: 22 Million Americans at Risk

    Blue Press Journal – As the clock ticks down, the GOP is hurtling towards a critical deadline: the expiration of ObamaCare subsidies on December 31. With only 12 legislative days to act, the party is struggling to find a unified stance, leaving millions of Americans facing potential health insurance premium spikes.

    President Trump’s recent directive to Congress to refrain from “wasting time and energy” on subsidy extensions has only added to the uncertainty. Despite warnings from conservative groups and pollsters about the political perils of inaction, Republican senators remain divided. Senators Tillis and others have proposed competing plans, each claiming to align with Trump’s vision, but a clear path forward remains elusive.

    The stakes couldn’t be higher: a staggering 22 million individuals are poised to have their health insurance premiums skyrocket, all due to Congressional inaction. Democrats have swiftly tossed aside Republican proposals as absurd “nonstarters,” highlighting their utter failure to tackle the pressing healthcare crises facing our nation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is ready to crush any Republican-led initiative, standing firm against a party that stubbornly refuses to engage in a meaningful bipartisan solution involving Democrats.

    As the deadline approaches, the GOP grapples with deep divisions. With 13 Republican senators needed to join Democrats for a 60-vote threshold in the Senate, the stakes are high. Can these lawmakers set aside differences to extend crucial subsidies, or will millions suffer due to inaction? The next 12 legislative days will be pivotal for ObamaCare subsidies and the future of healthcare in America.

  • White House Hiring Plan Faces Lawsuit Over Partisan Allegations

    White House Merit Hiring Plan Under Fire for Partisan Bias

    Blue Press Journal – A group of federal labor unions has filed a lawsuit against the White House, arguing that its new “merit hiring plan” infringes on job applicants’ First Amendment rights. The plan, introduced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) earlier this month, includes a contentious essay question that asks applicants to outline how they would advance the President’s executive orders and policy priorities if hired.

    The unions claim that this question creates a discriminatory system where applicants are rewarded or penalized based on their political views, effectively politicizing the traditionally nonpartisan civil service. The lawsuit asserts that this approach is “unconstitutional” and undermines the principles of a merit-based hiring process.

    The OPM’s hiring plan is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the federal workforce in its image, sparking concerns that it may be attempting to revive an old-style spoils system. Critics argue that this move will erode the integrity of the civil service and compromise its ability to serve the public interest.

    “This question is a clear violation of my free speech rights and goes against everything that the United States stands for,” said a federal employee, who wished to remain anonymous. “As a civil servant, I do not have to profess loyalty to a particular President. I instead profess loyalty to the Constitution.”

    The lawsuit highlights the unease among federal employees and unions regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to politicize the civil service. By linking hiring decisions to an applicant’s willingness to support the President’s agenda, the administration fosters a culture of partisanship that undermines the merit-based principles of federal hiring.

  • Trump’s Temper Tantrum: A Desperate Attempt to Conceal the Truth

    In a shocking display of rage, yesterday, Donald Trump snapped at a female reporter on Monday, shouting “Quiet! Quiet, piggy” when questioned about the impending release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files. This outburst is a clear indication of a man who is far from at peace, and is desperate to avoid scrutiny.

    The trigger for Trump’s tantrum was the GOP-controlled House’s decision to overwhelmingly pass a bill forcing the Justice Department to release a trove of documents related to the notorious pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The vote was a significant defeat for Trump, who had spent months attempting to kill the measure. Faced with certain defeat, Trump attempted to save face by reversing course and directing House Republicans to back the bill.

    However, it was a classic case of too little, too late. The damage was irreversible, and Trump’s reputation nosedived yet again. Speaker Johnson tried to spin the narrative, labeling the vote a “political show vote” orchestrated by Democrats, but the stark truth is that Trump’s own party, the Republicans, rallied behind the bill with shocking unity. His abrupt capitulation reeks of desperation, a feeble attempt to cushion the blow from yet another humiliating news cycle that tattoos his name alongside Epstein’s.

    As Trump lashed out at the reporter, a woman, it became clear that he was losing his temper with those who dare to hold him accountable for the truth. His characteristic cruelty was on full display, revealing a man who is more concerned with concealing his own involvement with Epstein than with facing the facts.

    The release of Epstein’s files is a significant development, and one that has the potential to expose the dark secrets of those involved with the convicted pedophile. Trump’s attempts to suppress the truth have been thwarted, and it remains to be seen what the documents will reveal. One thing is certain, however: Trump’s tantrum is a sign of a man who is guilty and is trying to hide something.

    As the saying goes, “when the facts are against you, pound the table; when the law is against you, pound the facts; and when both are against you, pound the messenger.” Trump’s outburst is a classic example of this adage, and it’s clear that he’s more concerned with silencing his critics than with facing the truth.

    Trump’s behavior is increasingly erratic, and his attempts to conceal the truth are desperate. As the investigation into Epstein’s crimes continues, it’s clear Trump is not at peace. The American people demand answers, and the question remains: what is he trying to hide? Only the unredacted release of the Epstein files will tell.