#NNPA BlackPress

Trump Acts Alone, World Reacts in Fury

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Congresswoman Maxine Waters labeled Trump “a president out of control,” and warned that bombing Iran without Congressional approval “is tantamount to a declaration of war.” Outside of Congress, civil rights and advocacy organizations also condemned the strikes. MoveOn Civic Action called it “illegal,” declaring Trump “broke the law and his campaign promises.”

Published

5 months ago

June 22, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

Donald Trump entered the White House in January declaring he would end America’s “forever wars.” This weekend, he may have launched a new one.

In a move that sent shockwaves across the globe and raised alarms in every major capital, Trump authorized airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites — reportedly in coordination with Israeli forces — without consulting Congress or offering any substantive explanation to the American public. The decision has drawn furious backlash at home and abroad, with critics charging that Trump has once again acted recklessly, and this time may have lit the fuse on a broader war — possibly even World War III.

Yemen’s armed forces have now formally entered the conflict, pledging allegiance to Iran and declaring war on both the United States and Israel. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, issued a chilling warning that “Yemen is officially entering the war (against the United States and Israel). Keep your ships away from our territorial waters.”

The Yemeni government cited the U.S. airstrikes and what it called an unprovoked campaign of aggression by Israel across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The strikes, launched June 13, were confirmed to have targeted three reported Iranian nuclear facilities.

International condemnation was swift.

Russia blasted the attacks as “irresponsible” and a “gross violation of international law.” France said it was “not involved,” urging restraint. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of “catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.” Even longtime allies like the United Kingdom offered only tepid support, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying, “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” while also calling for a return to diplomacy.

In Israel, however, Trump’s actions were met with praise. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation a “coordinated effort” with U.S. forces and thanked Trump personally in a pre-recorded video. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hailed it as a bold move “for all of humanity.”

Back in the U.S., lawmakers and advocacy organizations have responded with fury.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a blistering statement.

“Donald Trump promised to bring peace to the Middle East. He has failed to deliver on that promise, Jeffries insisted. “He misled the country, failed to seek congressional authorization, and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.”

Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock of Georgia added, “With thousands of American troops at risk for potential retaliation, this is not ‘the art of the deal.’ This is war.”

Congresswoman Maxine Waters labeled Trump “a president out of control,” and warned that bombing Iran without Congressional approval “is tantamount to a declaration of war.”

Outside of Congress, civil rights and advocacy organizations also condemned the strikes. MoveOn Civic Action called it “illegal,” declaring Trump “broke the law and his campaign promises.”

Nihad Awad, executive director of CAIR, issued one of the strongest rebukes.

“This attack, carried out under pressure from the out-of-control Israeli government, took place despite the longstanding conclusion by our nation’s intelligence community that Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, he stated.

Awad compared Trump to George W. Bush, stating that Trump, like Bush before him, is “dragging our nation into unnecessary and catastrophic wars,” pushed by Israeli leadership and hawkish U.S. advisors.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed there was no detected radiation from the bombed sites but will hold an emergency session to assess the full fallout.

And while Saudi Arabia called for diplomacy, governments across the Arab and Muslim world — from Iraq to Pakistan — warned the strikes could destabilize the entire region.

The United States now stands at the center of a firestorm — one of its own making — with Iran, Yemen, and possibly others drawing battle lines. And Trump, who once vowed to keep the U.S. out of foreign conflicts, is now being held directly responsible for risking the very war he once promised to avoid.

“The people deserve to hear more than they’ve heard so far., Warnock demanded. “And the Constitution requires a much more serious engagement with their representatives.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

Iran Attacked

Don't Miss

East West Classic Embraces History on Juneteenth

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Michael: The King of Pop’s Story Returns to the Big Screen

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making.

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, familiar rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined pop culture. Each frame reminds fans of why Jackson remains unmatched in artistry and influence. The cast surrounding the late pop king’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, reads like a who’s who of Black entertainment and music history. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music executive Suzanne de Passe, while Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca, a towering entertainment lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later became co-executor of his estate. The film’s journey to release has been as complicated as the icon it portrays. Production wrapped in 2024, but legal hurdles over depictions of past controversies forced extensive reshoots and editing delays. Even so, Fuqua’s film now appears ready to reclaim the narrative, focusing on Jackson’s creative ambition and humanity beyond tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the film had faced “a massive legal snafu” over a disputed storyline but was retooled to center the music and legacy that defined generations.

Maven. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

“Michael” promises more than a chronological retelling. It aims to explore how a child star from Gary, Indiana, became the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 through the triumphs and isolation of global superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—joining forces with estate executors Branca and John McClain, the film is positioned as both a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural truth. Branca’s work behind the scenes has long shaped Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took control of the estate burdened by debt and turned it into a global powerhouse worth billions. Under their stewardship, Jackson’s projects have generated more than $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales and landmark deals, including a $600 million joint venture with Sony earlier this year. At its heart, though, “Michael” is a story about artistry that transcends scandal. It offers a reminder that, despite the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music still bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments capture that spirit. As the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks into a spotlight, audiences are left with a familiar feeling—the awe of witnessing something timeless return home.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer here.

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

Donald Trump Is the Biggest Loser

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Published

1 week ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By April Ryan

The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (AR-02), says, “Last night was electric, and it was unquestionably a wave.” Democrats won big in what is widely considered a repudiation of Trump’s 9 months at the White House in his second term.

In the state of Virginia, which produced the first big election night win and saw the election of the first woman governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, 56% of Virginia’s residents disapprove of President Trump. In New Jersey, 55% of state residents disapprove of the president; in New York, 69% disapprove; and in California, 63% disapprove of the president. The Trump brand or his support for any candidates did nothing to benefit those he endorsed in this election. They actually lost in each race he publicly put his name behind. Trump endorsed former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost the New York mayor’s race in his run as an independent. And New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who ran for governor with the presidential endorsement, also lost his prospective race.

The next question is, will the democratic momentum be sustainable? Jones further explained, “This can become a 2026 tsunami, but turning a wave into a tsunami takes energy. A lot of energy. It doesn’t just happen. The conditions are there. Now we have to work!”

Some Democrats would argue that the work is already underway. The pushback against Trump’s national redistricting efforts received a thumb in the eye from California voters. Prop 50, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s counterbalance to President Trump’s redistricting efforts, passed in California last night. Although Trump’s name was not on the ballot last night, his Republican policies were. The United States has now entered the longest government shutdown in its history. Forty-two million Americans are not getting SNAP benefits. Economists are acknowledging that the government shutdown is contributing to the rise in delinquent debt in the student loan, automotive, and credit card industries. These items are among the negatives Americans are protesting against.

Compounding Trump’s political problems is a tariff battle that’s directly impacting pocketbooks. The day after the elections, the Trump administration was arguing before the US Supreme Court in favor of the president’s tariff powers. Meanwhile, President Trump‘s poll numbers are underwater, standing at a 37% national disapproval rate

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Historic Beatdown: Democrats Sweep Virginia as Speaker Don Scott and Jay Jones Make History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia.

Published

1 week ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By Lauren Burke

In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia. Democrats once again swept all three statewide offices as they did in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Abigail Spanberger easily won the office of Governor, and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi won her race over John Reid to be the next Lieutenant Governor. The victories occurred against the backdrop of a historic win in Virginia by Spanberger that will give Virginia its first woman Governor.

Spanberger’s widely predicted win over Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears was called 17 minutes after the polls closed in Virginia at 7 pm. Former Delegate Jay Jones won his race against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares. His victory means Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in Virginia’s history. Jones’ win was particularly noteworthy since the last month of his campaign was consumed by the issue of private text messages from 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. Republicans ran a non-stop barrage of negative ads against Jones for a month.

Del. Coyner lost her bid for re-election to Delegate-elect Lindsey Dougherty. The Dougherty race was the number one target for House Speaker Don Scott and his campaign lieutenant, Delegate Dan Helmer. Coyner’s defeat was one of at least 13 victories for Democrats who have now added to their ranks in the Virginia House to historic margins. When the Virginia General Assembly returns to session in January, there will be at least 64 Democrats in the chamber. The widespread Republican defeat is a testament to a combination of historic fundraising, Democrats running in all 100 seats, dislike of President Trump’s policies, and an ineffective top of the ticket featuring Lt. Gov. Earle Sears.

+13: Speaker Scott and Del. Helmer Hit Historic Numbers in Fundraising and Power

As the evening ended, a glaring historic fact became clearer: The Virginia House of Delegates will expand to a historic number. The change means the largest Democratic House chamber in the modern era. There were several notable wins by Democrats running for the Virginia House. They include Virgil Thornton, Lilly Franklin, and Kim Pope Adams. Speaker Don Scott and his campaign chair, Dan Helmer, undertook a record fundraising effort never before seen in Virginia’s history. The moment of success for Virginia Democrats will be viewed as a positive signal for Democrats moving into the 2026 elections.