Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
U.S. declares health emergency over coronavirus
The Trump administration is taking more drastic steps to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading in the U.S., denying entry to the U.S. among foreign nationals who've traveled in China and pose a transmission risk. Published January 31, 2020
Trump creates White House position to focus on human trafficking
President Trump said Friday he is creating a White House position that will focus solely on human trafficking, saying millions have been victimized around the world and that the internet has fueled the problem. Published January 31, 2020
Pentagon expected to loosen Obama-era restrictions on land mines
The Pentagon is expected to roll out the government's revision of an Obama-era policy that prohibits the deployment of certain land mines outside of the Korean Peninsula. Published January 31, 2020
Trump offers Medicaid block grants for state flexibility, Democrats opposed
The Trump administration announced new Medicaid guidelines Thursday that will allow states to receive block grants to cover health care services for low-income people, limiting the amount of money in return for more state flexibility. Published January 30, 2020
Wilbur Ross suggests coronavirus may send jobs back to U.S., but not taking ‘victory lap’
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday the coronavirus adds to a long list of health crises in China that may prompt businesses to redirect jobs to the U.S. and other parts of North America. Published January 30, 2020
Donald Trump signs ‘truly fair’ USMCA deal, says someone had to act
President Trump signed his rewrite of the North American trade agreement in a White House ceremony Wednesday that bolstered his "promises made, promises kept" mantra to blue-collar voters as he battles impeachment and revs up his reelection campaign. Published January 29, 2020
Jeff Van Drew embraces Donald Trump endorsement in Wildwood, New Jersey rally
Rep. Jeff Van Drew embraced President Trump's endorsement in front of a raucous Jersey crowd late Tuesday, sealing his decision to desert Democrats in a red-splashed part of this reliably blue state. Published January 28, 2020
Donald Trump says Israel accepts peace plan that will boost Palestinian territory, economy
President Trump announced a highly anticipated Middle East peace plan Tuesday that would recognize Israel's control over vast portions of the West Bank, including areas bordering Jordan, but allow Palestinians to eventually obtain their own state if they reject terrorism and meet other conditions. Published January 28, 2020
Donald Trump greets Benjamin Netanyahu to talk Israel-Palestine peace
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that they are ready to take the wraps off the "deal of the century" Tuesday that paves the way for peace in the Middle East, even betting the Palestinians will rally to the plan after blasting the proposal as one-sided. Published January 27, 2020
Trump signs bill to help houses of worship repel attacks
President Trump signed a bill Friday that spends $375 million over five years to help houses of worship and other nonprofits secure themselves against terror attacks. Published January 24, 2020
Giuliani associates reportedly taped Trump discussing Yovanovitch ouster at dinner
An indicted associate of Rudolph W. Giuliani reportedly taped President Trump discussing his desire to oust then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, a key player in the impeachment trial unfolding in the Senate, according to an ABC News, which reviewed the recording. Published January 24, 2020
Mike Pence greets Pope Francis in Rome, exchanges well-wishes on same day as March for Life
Vice President Mike Pence greeted Pope Francis in Rome on Thursday to offer well-wishes from President Trump and exchange gifts. Published January 24, 2020
Rudy Giuliani: ‘This ends, hopefully, with Biden finally being put under investigation’
President Trump's personal attorney Rudolph Giuliani said in a video posted Friday that senators should move to dismiss Democrats' articles of impeachment because they do not allege anything for which the president can be removed. Published January 24, 2020
Donald Trump looks beyond impeachment to reelection
President Trump is acting like someone who knows he's in for a dogfight in November, elevating the "socialist" in the Democratic field, knocking Michael Bloomberg and imploring "American patriots" to flood his campaign with cash to teach his foes a lesson. Published January 23, 2020
Donald Trump says Israeli-Palestinian peace plan coming soon
President Trump said Thursday he will roll out his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan ahead of a White House visit next week from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Published January 23, 2020
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli PM, to visit the White House on Jan. 28
Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House next week, the Trump administration said Thursday. Published January 23, 2020
China isolates Wuhan where coronavirus originated
Chinese officials shut down all transportation out of the city of Wuhan, trying to contain a mysterious illness Wednesday as the death toll climbed to 17 and more than 540 people were reported to be infected with the rapidly spreading virus. Published January 22, 2020
Trump looks to Europe after China, N. American trade pacts
President Trump said Wednesday the U.S. will seek a trade deal with the European Union now that he's signed a phase-one deal with China and negotiated with North American partners, reissuing his threat to levy car imports they don't come to the table. Published January 22, 2020
Donald Trump in Davos slams ‘hoax’ trial, ‘sleaze bag’ Democrats, leaves decisions to Senate
A defiant President Trump said Wednesday the impeachment trial is a "con job," but he'll leave thorny decisions to senators, wrapping up a Swiss trip by calling key Democrats "major sleazebags" and saying it would be risky to call former National Security Adviser John R. Bolton to testify after leaving on "bad terms." Published January 22, 2020
Donald Trump optimistic about U.S.-Iraq relationship in Davos
President Trump and Iraqi President Barham Salih projected optimism Wednesday as they discussed American troops in the Middle East and other thorny issues during a meeting on the sidelines of a Swiss economic forum. Published January 22, 2020
