Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis defend Democrat Mark Kelly in flap over ‘illegal’ orders video
Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John Curtis of Utah are defending Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly as the astronaut-turned-lawmaker faces a Defense Department probe over his appearance in a video telling military members to disobey illegal orders. Published November 26, 2025
FBI investigates Democrats who appeared in a video urging military members to defy ‘illegal’ orders
Democratic lawmakers who told military members to ignore illegal orders from President Trump say they are facing an FBI probe. Published November 25, 2025
Small business optimism drops in key industries, though construction sees a boom: NFIB
Small business optimism is falling in key sectors, according to a quarterly survey released Tuesday that showed a downgrade in manufacturing despite President Trump's efforts to boost U.S. production through tax cuts, deregulation and tariffs. Published November 25, 2025
Trump may select new Fed chair by Christmas, Treasury Secretary Bessent says
President Trump is likely to select a new Federal Reserve chair before Christmas, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday. Published November 25, 2025
Trump to visit China in April, will host Chinese President Xi in Washington later in 2026
President Trump said Monday he accepted an invitation from President Xi Jinping to visit China in April and will reciprocate by hosting the Chinese leader for a state visit later in 2026. Published November 24, 2025
Trump, Chinese President Xi hold call to follow up on major October meeting
President Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone on Monday to coordinate on Taiwan, the war in Ukraine and trade matters that the pair discussed in person one month ago. Published November 24, 2025
Trump says tariff revenue poised to ‘skyrocket,’ urges quick decision in Supreme Court case
President Trump urged the Supreme Court on Monday to decide a "time sensitive" case that could blow a big hole in his trade agenda, saying tariff payments are poised to "skyrocket" and he doesn't want to see his plans ruined. Published November 24, 2025
Trump removes hefty tariffs on coffee, other Brazilian agriculture products
President Trump has removed 40% tariffs on Brazilian coffee, cocoa, beef and other agricultural products that are not grown in sufficient amounts in the U.S. Published November 21, 2025
CDC changes website to say potential vaccine-autism link is being studied
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that once ruled out a link between vaccines and autism has been revamped to say studies "have not ruled out" the possibility of a connection. Published November 20, 2025
U.S. added 119K jobs in September, beating expectations
The U.S. added far more jobs in September than forecast, the government said Thursday in a long-delayed jobs report that complicates an upcoming decision by the Federal Reserve. Published November 20, 2025
Trump highlights AI, aerospace projects as part of ‘most consequential’ U.S.-Saudi alliance
President Trump said Wednesday the U.S. partnership with Saudi Arabia is among "the most consequential in the entire world," toasting a $1 trillion investment in American projects and positioning himself as the most Saudi friendly president in recent history. Published November 19, 2025
Imports drop and trade deficit narrows as Trump tariffs take root
President Trump's sweeping tariffs are starting to have a tangible effect, according to Commerce Department data released on Wednesday, which showed a steep decline in imports and a narrowing trade deficit. Published November 19, 2025
Trump hosts crown prince, talks Khashoggi, Saudi investment of $1 trillion
President Trump on Tuesday defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and praised the Saudis for increasing their investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion. Published November 18, 2025
Trump calls murdered journalist Khashoggi ‘controversial’ in meeting with Saudi crown prince
President Trump on Tuesday called murdered Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi a "controversial" person during a sit-down with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House. Published November 18, 2025
Trump greets Saudi crown prince with fanfare, jet flyover
President Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in grand fashion on Tuesday ahead of talks on Middle East security and big investments between the countries. Published November 18, 2025
From ‘pariah’ to honored guest: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince heads to the White House
President Trump will lobby Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to normalize relations with Israel when he rolls out the red carpet for the Middle East leader Tuesday in Washington. Published November 17, 2025
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says beef prices will come down in 2026
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday said beef prices could come down by next spring. Published November 17, 2025
Trump stands by Tucker Carlson after podcast with antisemite Nick Fuentes
President Trump defended Tucker Carlson late Sunday after the political commentator split conservatives by having a taped chat with antisemitic podcaster Nick Fuentes. Published November 17, 2025
Trump rolls back tariffs on grocery items, and critics say it’s an admission tariffs raise prices
President Trump has signed an executive order to reduce tariffs on grocery items that have risen in price or cannot be grown easily in the U.S. Published November 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland reach trade deal to bolster manufacturing in America, lower tariffs on Swiss goods
The U.S. and Switzerland have reached a trade deal that will reduce President Trump's tariffs on the European nation from 39% to 15%, a top administration official said. Published November 14, 2025
