Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
As Trump’s aggressive trade agenda exasperates Wall Street, dip in GDP fuels recession fears
The U.S. economy shrank in the first quarter, a sobering reality check for President Trump after he celebrated big wins during his first 100 days back in the White House. Published April 30, 2025
Economy contracted in first quarter, fueling recession concerns
The U.S. economy shrank in the first quarter as companies stocked up on imports, a sign that President Trump's aggressive trade tactics are having an impact. Published April 30, 2025
Trump pumps the brakes on some auto tariffs
President Trump granted limited relief from his auto tariffs with an executive order Tuesday that keeps automakers from facing multiple forms of taxation under his system of levies. Published April 29, 2025
Amazon says it will not list tariff prices on its discount site
Online retailer Amazon says the low-cost arm of its web store considered putting tariff costs next to its prices, but the plan was not authorized and is "not going to happen." Published April 29, 2025
Bessent: Tariff revenue will provide income tax relief
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that revenue from President Trump's tariffs could be so great that it provides relief from federal income taxes. Published April 29, 2025
U.S. agriculture sector sees China orders dry up as trade war stagnates
China is a "threatened market" for U.S. farmers as the trade impasse between Beijing and Washington leads to canceled orders and a complex scramble to find new markets, a major trade group said Monday. Published April 28, 2025
Treasury Secretary Bessent says onus is on China to de-escalate trade war
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday it is "up to China" to de-escalate President Trump's trade war with Beijing, pointing to its export-heavy economy. Published April 28, 2025
Trump endorses himself in Canada’s national election
President Trump wished Canada "good luck" in its major election on Monday and made an endorsement -- himself. Published April 28, 2025
Beijing says Chinese President Xi didn’t call Trump
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Monday that President Xi Jinping has not called President Trump about trade. Published April 28, 2025
Trump says China-U.S. trade talks are happening; Beijing disputes that
President Trump on Thursday said trade negotiations are unfolding between the U.S. and China but refused to say who was involved, adding to confusion around the tariff spat after Beijing said no such talks are underway. Published April 24, 2025
China says trade talks with U.S. haven’t started
China on Thursday said there haven't been any trade talks between its side and the U.S., pushing back on comments from the Trump administration that signaled a possible thaw in the trade war. Published April 24, 2025
Bessent, Trump talk up trade deal with China, cheering markets
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday said the U.S. and China can reach a "big deal" if Beijing is serious about rebalancing its economy toward satisfying domestic demand instead of flooding the world with cheap goods. Published April 23, 2025
Bessent says U.S. won’t retreat from world, eyes ‘big deal’ with China
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday promoted President Trump's tariff plan as an overdue mission to make global trade fairer and combat China's flood of cheap exports. Published April 23, 2025
Wall Street rallies on Trump’s softer approach to Powell, China
Wall Street rallied Wednesday after President Trump softened his rhetoric on Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and China. Published April 23, 2025
White House claims ‘a lot of progress’ on trade as IMF cuts growth forecast
The White House on Tuesday said it's making "a lot of progress" in reducing trade barriers through bilateral deals with nations, pointing to over a dozen written proposals and a recent breakthrough with India. Published April 22, 2025
Trump to make two-day trip to Rome for funeral of Pope Francis
President Trump will depart Washington on Friday morning to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Rome over the weekend, the White House confirmed Tuesday. Published April 22, 2025
IMF downgrades growth forecast for U.S., pointing to ‘negative shock’ from tariffs
The International Monetary Fund slashed its 2025 growth forecast for the U.S. economy to 1.8%, a 0.9-point decrease from January, spurred by President Trump's trade actions and policy uncertainty. Published April 22, 2025
Vance says trade upheaval will pay off for U.S., partner nations like India
President Trump's effort to rebalance global trade will cause "profound changes" but will ultimately produce "great benefits" for Americans and partner nations such as India, Vice President J.D. Vance said Tuesday. Published April 22, 2025
Trump ramps up attacks on Powell while China flexes, markets fall again
Wall Street markets cratered again Monday as investors reacted to President Trump's decision to dial up attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell, even dubbing him a "major loser," and trade talks faced an uncertain path to success. Published April 21, 2025
VP Vance, Indian Prime Minister Modi set the table for bilateral trade deal
Vice President J.D. Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a personal meeting Monday to finalize a roadmap for a future bilateral trade deal between their countries. Published April 21, 2025
