Blue Press Journal

Tag: Politico

  • From Motorcade Trunk to White House Confidante: The Rising Influence of Natalie Harp

    by Winston Wendell

    Remarks by Senator Jon Ossoff (D‑Ga.) that President Trump “travels with Natalie” has rekindled interest in the relationship between the president and his 35-year-old aide Natalie Harp. Known as the “human printer” for providing printouts of positive online stories about Donald Trump while he was in transit, Ms. Harp was once again in the news for an alleged altercation over her travel arrangements following the president’s recent court appearance in New York City.

    According to a CNN report from October 24, 2023, Ms. Harp was brought to New York City to brief Trump in the days leading up to his court appearance. The news outlet reported that when the President’s motorcade arrived at the destination, the staff told Ms. Harp that there were no available seats for her in the front of the vehicle. Nevertheless, Ms. Harp insisted that she would only return with Mr. Trump because she had previously been requested by the President to accompany him to the courtroom. Following a “screaming match” with the President’s staff, Ms. Harp climbed into the trunk of one of the SUVs and arrived in New York City. In addition, CNN reported that it had received a photograph of Ms. Harp in the trunk of the vehicle, which has since been shared on several news websites.

    The alleged incident in the trunk of the SUV is the latest development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Ms. Harp’s relationship with Mr. Trump. In September 2023, Politico reported that Ms. Harp has served as the President’s “gatekeeper,” providing him with printouts of online articles containing information that the president may find of interest. According to Politico , since her hiring, Natalie Harp has been responsible for screening news feeds and choosing which news items to print out for the President based on their perceived relevance. Similarly, The New York Times , in its March 2024 article about Trump’s staff, noted that Harp has been a “near-constant presence” at both the president’s rallies and court proceedings.

    Although the White House did not respond directly to the allegations regarding the trunk incident, former Trump officials told Reuters that the president sometimes engaged in “unorthodox” behavior with his staff. According to the news outlet, the President’s staff members are generally willing to comply with his requests due to his status as a national leader.

    Senator Ossoff’s remarks were made during a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 15, 2024. Following his comments, several representatives laughed and discussed the extent to which staff members are permitted to travel with the President. However, as this story continues to gain traction in the national news, it is likely to raise additional questions about the potential risks and dangers facing Trump’s staff. From this standpoint, the “trunk controversy” may have significant implications for the White House.

    Fediverse Reactions

  • Trump Administration and DOJ Stall Refunds After Supreme Court Nullifies Emergency Tariffs – Businesses Rush to Court

    Donald Trump peeking through the wooden doors of Courtroom A in a brightly lit hallway.

    BLUE PRESS JOURNAL – The Supreme Court’s decisive ruling that nullified President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs ignited a frantic legal scramble. Hundreds of companies—from a New York wine importer to shipping giant FedEx—are now filing lawsuits to reclaim duties they allege were unlawfully collected. The fight has split into two competing jurisdictional tracks, while the Trump administration and the Department of Justice (DOJ) deliberately drag their feet.

    Two Front‑Line Challengers
    VOS Selections, a New York wine and spirits importer represented by the Liberty Justice Center, is pressing the U.S. Court of Appeals for an immediate mandate so lower courts can begin processing refunds. The importer previously secured a verbal guarantee from the administration that any successful claim would be reimbursed promptly. In contrast, AGS Company Automotive Solutions of Michigan, the lead docket in a consolidated case, is demanding a hearing to lift a December‑23 judicial stay, arguing that each day of delay deepens the prejudice to plaintiffs.

    DOJ’s 90‑Day Freeze: A Stalling Tactic
    Despite early assurances, the DOJ now argues for a 90‑day freeze to let “political branches consider options,” labeling rapid refunds as “ill‑conceived.”  President Trump, meanwhile, has suggested the process could take years and has urged the Supreme Court to rehear the case—a rarity not seen in nearly seven decades (Reuters).  Such postponements appear designed to protect the administration’s political capital rather than remedy wronged businesses.

    Political Backlash and Legislative Action
    Democratic governors from Illinois, New York, Maryland and California have issued invoices demanding billions in refunds for their residents.  Senators Ed Markey, Ron Wyden and Jeanne  Shaheen have introduced legislation compelling U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue full refunds with interest within 180 days, prioritizing small‑business owners (Politico).

    A Call for Uniform, Court‑Supervised Relief
    The Liberty Justice Center warns that a “900‑case pileup” will overwhelm the courts if each company pursues separate suits. Yet the administration’s resistance to an expedited, uniform process leaves businesses in limbo, facing mounting legal costs and uncertain timelines.

    Bottom line: The Trump administration’s deliberate delays and the DOJ’s procedural roadblocks betray a disregard for fiscal justice, forcing American businesses to fight a protracted legal battle for money they are rightfully owed.