Sign in

Cheryl Bolen Smelson

@cherylbolen.bsky.social
1.2K followers 1.1K following 1.1K posts

Recovering journalist, former White House correspondent for Bloomberg BNA, learning Spanish, regulatory maven

PostsRepliesMedia
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 13h
“The unprecedented blitz of self-enrichment by Mr. Trump … has become so extensive, so profligate and so brazen that he has effectively moved the goal posts of what is considered out of bounds.” Top-notch piece by @peterbakernyt.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/u...
nytimes.com
How Trump Moved Ethical Lines With His Ads, Businesses and Summits (Gift Article)
The president’s decision to hold an international summit at his own private golf club, an idea rejected in his first term, illustrates how much he has shattered norms.
020
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Dems getting better at this
298115573648
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Angry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Directing DOJ to slow-walk politically damaging decisions until after people vote would be a major scandal under any normal administration. Here, it’s just Friday.
15271483007
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
No notes
000
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
BREAKING: Davey Hearn reflecting pool prosecution dismissed WITH PREJUDICE That means the case cannot be brought again  Huge victory for Davey, for us at @democracydefendersfund.org & our legal team colleagues Washington Litigation Group and Steptoe--& for rule of law More to follow!
490146883097
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The U.S. is going to hell, but my son and his girlfriend are coming over tonight for a home-cooked meal And I spent all afternoon making lasagna and blueberry crumble for dessert
020
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Imagine being the worst Senator from Missouri when your only competition is Josh Hawley…
1635712945
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 29/09/2026
Today I learned that Jack Smith is a Caitlin Clark fan and that Amy Klobuchar knows more about sports than Eric Schmitt.
649216713579
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 29/09/2026
GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of perjury, claiming he had evidence Smith secretly went to an Atlanta Hawks game. Then it all backfired in real-time.
meidasnews.com
GOP Senator’s Jack Smith ‘Gotcha’ Blows Up in His Face
Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of perjury over supposed evidence placing him at an Atlanta Hawks game. There was just one problem: It was the Iowa Hawkeyes.
1003118873092
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 29/09/2026
Jack Smith: "History teaches that the rule of law is rarely destroyed all at once. It's often weakened by attacks on the institutions and the public servants sworn to uphold it. Since January 2025, we have witnessed precisely such an effort."
694278859536
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
ebisback.bsky.social @ebisback.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Truth 💥 😡
1142640942
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · 27/09/2026
Democrats vs. Republicans in a nutshell. This absolutely nails it.
6323551061
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Who could’ve foreseen that after the Supreme Court gave Trump immunity from prosecution for committing crimes while in office he would commit lots of crimes while in office?
30164341725
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Mrs. Betty Bowers @mrsbettybowers.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I've never liked ICE. Even back when they used to call themselves the Klan.
181107062225
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 26/09/2026
"Why should Canadians trust Americans who have twice elected someone they consider a venal, dangerous buffoon? They could excuse them for being 'tricked' the first time. But electing him again, by a bigger margin the second time, tells them all they need to know." — @brynntannehill.bsky.social
publicnotice.co
The view from Canada: Make America Think Again
Rebuilding trust will take generations.
858122893195
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Clay Bennett @claybennett.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
9/26/2026- SCOTUS www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/se...
18381292555
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
They voted overwhelmingly for Trump.
3912363699
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Mrs. Betty Bowers @mrsbettybowers.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Poor, sad, stupid orange white man. He would sell his soul—and country—for a few hollow words of praise."
669104312441
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Just saw wonderful adaptation of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, set in 1950s Jim Crow South #FolgerTheater Actors really brought it tonight 🌟
010
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
We have never looked weaker or more pathetic.
1303160043439
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
💯
366133843788
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
DC residents are being alerted that there’s a special event being held at the Waldorf Astoria from Wed. 23rd thru Fri. 25th AND the U.S. military will conduct a flyover over the White House on Wed. 23rd about 5:00 p.m.
100
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 22/09/2026
Melania Trump: "Together, we can move markets"
208514105
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A huge thank you to CNN, MS NOW, Politico, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Fox News, PBS News, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, the Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images, and AFP for standing together in defense of a free press.
594210224811
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
VivianOfTheSierras @vivianofthesierras.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I hear the Reflecting Pool will now be a nuclear submarine base.
2536482
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Eighth Circuit has ordered the district court to reinstate Missouri’s 2025 congressional map. But before folks freak out, it also ordered that court to pause such a ruling for long enough that the challengers can (and will) seek further review from #SCOTUS: s3.documentcloud.org/documents/28...
To allow for appellate review, the district court should administratively stay its permanent injunction until September 28, 2026, at 5 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Without any stay, Secretary Hoskins and local election authorities would be required to immediately begin implementing the 2025 map before the Supreme Court receives or decides any appeal. And without a limit to the stay, PNP could wait to file its petition for a writ of certiorari until the December 21, 2026, due date, see
SUP. CT. R. 13.1, thus preventing the Supreme Court from considering the merits of this case until after Missouri has conducted the November 2026 general election. The mandate shall issue forthwith
681653453
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This applies to anyone claiming they aren’t political… “This entire debacle is a stark reminder that opting out of taking political stands is, in and of itself, a political stand: a politics of self-interest.” www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Ed Sheeran, Macklemore and Why Politics Is So Hard for Celebrities (Gift Article)
Celebrities use the facade of neutrality as shelter, as a place to take refuge.
000
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
As an American political historian, I can confirm that this Congress has been "almost unmatched in history" in several categories -- sad abdication of its war powers, craven surrender of the power of the purse, weird refusal to conduct meaningful oversight, and an utter failure to pass actual laws.
29172271876
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Tom Walsh @tewalsh340.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
14669141682
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
The Onion @theonion.com · 17/09/2026
Mitch McConnell Returns To Capitol Hill In Jar Of Formaldehyde
Mitch McConnell Returns To Capitol Hill In Jar Of Formaldehyde
198129162229
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
The Obama Foundation @obamafoundation.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The Obama family shared that Sunny passed away yesterday after 13 years by their side. She was fiercely protective of her big brother, Bo, and we can imagine the two of them together again. Today, hold your pets a little closer and cherish every moment you share.
471100881584
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Mark Jacob @markjacob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory self-regulated.
840119072849
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
static.klipy.com
Tedlassogifs Roy Kent
ALT: Tedlassogifs Roy Kent
351018254
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
17413118
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Worth the long read and a troubling sign for democracy Why Scandals Don’t Bring Down Politicians Anymore www.nytimes.com/2026/09/14/w...
nytimes.com
Why Scandals Don’t Bring Down Politicians Anymore (Gift Article)
It’s about more than just shamelessness.
000
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Mrs. Betty Bowers @mrsbettybowers.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Be the type of human that *doesn't* make this face after being told genocide is amoral.
1512826499
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 13/09/2026
Abdul El-Sayed: "They want to make this about a streamer in California. I want to make this about affordability in Michigan, and they can't talk about it because it's their policies that are driving [prices] up"
452982560
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
29598123
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Niall Harbison @niallharbison.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Live stream of our run of 120km to build a hospital for street dogs. We are 90km in absolute bits but we can maybe make it… www.youtube.com/live/K44RPa-...
youtube.com
Crossing the Finish Line for Tina's Hospital
YouTube video by Happy Doggo
321027231
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 13/09/2026
@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social: "I love that he was offering people $5,000, because it may shock you to know this but he's lying. Unless your name is Natalie Harp, you are not getting a check from Donald Trump."
26819175
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Marlene Robertson🍁🇨🇦 @marlenerobertson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Polar opposites in every way possible.
511151267
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Where’s this clip? Why is this one not going viral? Yeah
14448881753
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/10/u...
nytimes.com
25 Years After 9/11, Trump Personifies a Nation Moving On
The president has de-emphasized and shifted the war on terrorism at a time when fear of foreign attack has receded into the background of American life.
296815
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 11/09/2026
25 years ago, terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people, including 2,753 New Yorkers. As we remember that terrible day, let us also remember the first responders, office workers and strangers who ran toward danger to help each other.
561328407343
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Look at this loathsome repulsive creature yelling at a reporter. In addition to the fact that he’s the worst president in US history, he’s one of the worst human beings on planet earth. His supporters have a very serious defect in their character.
1901252976301
Cheryl Bolen Smelson @cherylbolen.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Grand opening of the newly renovated Southeast Library across from the Eastern Market metro station 📚
010
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Sam Youngman @samyoungman.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Trump said your kid can only have one doll and seven pencils.
1112
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
qakl.bsky.social @qakl.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
southpark.cc.com/news/beycql/...
southpark.cc.com
AFTER 29 YEARS SOUTH PARK CHANGES ITS NAME
AFTER 29 YEARS SOUTH PARK CHANGES ITS NAME
111721
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 08/09/2026
NEW: Mayor Mamdani has released 170,000 documents that suggest New Yorkers were misled about the safety of the air quality following the 9/11 attacks. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/07/n...
nytimes.com
After 9/11, Documents Suggest, New Yorkers Were Misled About Air Quality
The Mamdani administration released more than 170,000 pages of documents related to the air quality around the World Trade Center site in the months after the Sept. 11 attacks.
501126034009
Reposted by Cheryl Bolen Smelson
Senator Ed Markey @markey.senate.gov · 07/09/2026
On Labor Day, we recognize the workers who keep our communities and our country running, the unions that fight for workers’ rights, and the labor movement that fought for the workplace protections we rely on today. Every worker has a right to dignity, safety, fair pay, and a voice at the table.
37619