Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Sector-specific tariffs shielded from threat of reversal in court; Trump uses national security law
President Trump is leaning heavily into tariff powers that allow him to tax imported timber from Canada, furniture from Asia and heavy trucks from Germany without fearing a reversal from the Supreme Court. Published October 1, 2025
Wall Street weathers up-and-down day as investors assess government shutdown, economic data blackout
U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday as investors feared a prolonged government shutdown would harm the economy -- and key data on its health. Published October 1, 2025
Sen. Ron Johnson pushes bill to end government shutdowns
A Republican senator is pushing legislation that would end government shutdowns, as President Trump and Democrats again slammed their heads against the wall Monday in pursuit of a last-minute deal to fund federal operations. Published September 29, 2025
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on foreign-made films
President Trump on Monday revived his threat to impose a 100% tariff on movies made outside the U.S., saying a once-iconic industry has been taken from Americans like "candy from a baby." Published September 29, 2025
South Korea says $350B cash payment for trade deal is not possible
The U.S. and South Korea are struggling to finalize a deal in which Seoul invests in American projects in exchange for a lower tariff rate from President Trump. Published September 29, 2025
Top drugmakers brush off pharma tariffs, saying they have robust U.S. footprint
Global drugmakers are greeting President Trump's decision to impose 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals with a relative shrug, saying they can weather the new taxes because they've invested heavily in U.S. operations. Published September 26, 2025
Trump announces tariffs on drugs, trucks and cabinets
President Trump late Thursday announced a smorgasbord of new tariffs on foreign pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks and kitchen and bathroom decor. Published September 25, 2025
Ex-Treasury, Fed leaders tell Supreme Court to let Lisa Cook stay at central bank during firing case
A "who's who" of former economic officials urged the Supreme Court on Thursday to let Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook remain in her job while the courts decide whether President Trump fired her lawfully. Published September 25, 2025
U.S. economy grew faster than thought in 2025’s second quarter, buoyed by consumer spending
The U.S. enjoyed a more robust economy than previously thought in the second quarter of this year, according to revised federal estimates. Published September 25, 2025
China tells U.S. to remove Trump administration’s tariffs, then Beijing will buy American soybeans
Beijing officials said Thursday the U.S. should remove "unreasonable" tariffs as a condition for China to resume buying American soybeans, as President Trump floated a new aid package for reeling farmers. Published September 25, 2025
Dallas ICE shooter identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn
Authorities identified the man who opened fire on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday as Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old with ties to Texas and Oklahoma. Published September 24, 2025
Treasury sanctions two men in India accused of selling fentanyl-laced pills to Americans online
The Treasury Department on Wednesday sanctioned two Indian nationals for allegedly using online pharmacies to sell to U.S. consumers fake pills filled with deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. Published September 24, 2025
FBI says it found classified material at Bolton’s D.C. office
The FBI says it turned up classified documents during a raid of former National Security Adviser John R. Bolton's office in downtown Washington, according to court filings. Published September 24, 2025
European Union looks to drive down U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum
The European Union will push for lower tariffs on its metals when its top trade negotiator meets this week with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a summit in Malaysia. Published September 24, 2025
Political violence strikes ICE office in Dallas
Political violence reared again Wednesday when a gunman attacked an ICE office in Dallas, killing one migrant detainee and wounding two others before taking his own life. Published September 24, 2025
Trump, Brazil’s Lula use U.N. to trade barbs over tariff standoff, but agree to meet
UNITED NATIONS -- President Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will meet next week to attempt to patch up relations as the U.S. imposes high tariffs on Brazilian goods due to its prosecution of former leader and Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro. Published September 23, 2025
Brazil defends sovereignty in implicit rebuke of Trump’s Bolsonaro-related tariffs
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended his nation's sovereignty and the prosecution of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro during his U.N. speech Tuesday, a tacit rebuke of President Trump's decision to hit the South American country with whopping tariffs. Published September 23, 2025
Trump links autism to Tylenol, sparking backlash from maker and medical groups
President Trump on Monday linked autism to the use of the painkiller acetaminophen during pregnancy, stirring debate and confusion about a key ingredient in Tylenol that had been considered safe for expectant mothers to use against dangerous fevers. Published September 22, 2025
Corn growers seek markets, not handouts, as economic woes mount
Corn growers are pleading with Washington to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol-blended fuel and to clinch trade deals that open new markets, as farmers confront a "perfect storm" of rising costs and lower crop prices. Published September 22, 2025
U.S. to offer financial boost to Argentina during its market woes, Bessent says
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday the U.S. is prepared to offer Argentina a financial lifeline after a disappointing local election for Argentine President Javier Milei prompted market chaos and a plunge in its peso currency. Published September 22, 2025
