Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Donald Trump says he’ll raise tariffs on China if he doesn’t get a good trade deal
President Trump on Tuesday threatened to raise tariffs on China "even higher" if Beijing doesn't offer good trade terms. Published November 19, 2019
Donald Trump bashes speculation about unusual medical visit: ‘Sick’
President Trump said Tuesday his visit to a medical center over the weekend was "very routine" and that "sick" media speculation about his unusual checkup spooked his wife and aides. Published November 19, 2019
White House announces release of two professors held in Afghanistan
The U.S. secured the release of two college professors who were kidnapped at gunpoint in August 2016 and held by Taliban forces in Afghanistan, the White House said Tuesday, a move that could help revive moribund peace talks with the militant Islamist group. Published November 19, 2019
Donald Trump meets with Jerome Powell, Fed chairman he once called a ‘bonehead’
President Trump said Monday he had a "cordial" meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell on the economy and interest rates despite previously attacking the central banker as a "bonehead" who doesn't understand either. Published November 18, 2019
Trump Organization explores sale of leasing rights to D.C. hotel
Dogged by ethics questions, the Trump Organization is reportedly looking to sell the leasing rights to its marquee hotel a few blocks from the White House. Published October 25, 2019
Trump defends Syrian strategy: ‘We have secured the oil’
President Trump's troop pullout from Syria and Special Forces strike that killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi didn't dent his fixation on securing oil fields in the war-torn country. Published October 25, 2019
Trump awards Medal of Freedom to automotive mogul Roger Penske
President Trump on Thursday awarded the Medal of Freedom to auto racing mogul Roger Penske, the fourth sports legend he's bestowed the honor to since late August. Published October 24, 2019
Mike Pence scolds NBA over Hong Kong retreat
Vice President Mike Pence scolded corporate America and the National Basketball Association on Thursday for kowtowing to Beijing amid pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Published October 24, 2019
Mike Pence: Trump is extending his hand to China, but won’t back down
Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday the U.S. does not want to "contain" China but it won't tolerate its abuses, either, as the Trump administration confronts Beijing over unfair trade practices and reaches for a more balanced relationship. Published October 24, 2019
Donald Trump announces a permanent cease-fire, claims victory in Syria
President Trump said Wednesday he is lifting sanctions on Turkey after it agreed to stop its incursion against American-allied Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, brushing aside complaints that he ceded American interests in the region to Vladimir Putin and his Russian military patrols. Published October 23, 2019
Senate Republicans support Trump despite Syria, racially charged tweets
Republican senators are refusing to abandon President Trump, saying he might step over the line at times, but it's no reason to toss him out of office if House Democrats follow through with impeachment. Published October 22, 2019
Donald Trump doles out $4.5 million to ‘White Helmets’ in Syria
President Trump authorized $4.5 million in direct support Tuesday to the Syrian Civilian Defense, the white-helmeted volunteers who offer medical assistance and conduct search-and-rescue missions in war-torn Syria. Published October 22, 2019
Trump compares impeachment drive to ‘lynching’
President Trump called the House Democrats' push for impeachment a "lynching" Tuesday as he pushed Republicans to rally around him amid the inquiry. Published October 22, 2019
Donald Trump tells Sean Hannity GOP must ‘get tougher’ amid ‘dirty’ impeachment probe
President Trump said Monday that Republicans need to "get tougher" as he faces the "dirty" game of impeachment. Published October 21, 2019
Trump says critics giving up ‘best G-7 ever’ at Doral
President Trump on Monday said a Group of Seven nations summit at his Florida resort would have been the "best G-7 ever," fuming that pushback to his decision to award himself a public contract forced him to look elsewhere for next year's meetings. Published October 21, 2019
Trump: The cease-fire is holding in Syria
President Trump said Monday the cease-fire along the Turkey-Syria border is "holding" and took another victory lap over his rout of the Islamic State, even as Republicans fear his policy moves could allow the militant Islamic caliphate to reemerge. Published October 21, 2019
Trump tells farmers to buy new John Deere tractors after reaching trade deal with China
President Trump is telling farmers to buy new John Deere tractors, as China commits to purchasing $40 billion to $50 billion in farm purchases. But the heartland is in wait-and-see mode, bruised by a roller coaster trade war and anxious to see whether Asian buyers stick to the fluid agreement. Published October 20, 2019
Doral G7 summit backlash surprised Donald Trump, Mick Mulvaney says
Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said Sunday that President Trump underestimated the amount of backlash his decision to hold the next Group of Seven summit at one of his Miami golf resorts would trigger. Published October 20, 2019
Trump says G-7 will no longer be held at his Florida club
President Trump late Saturday said the U.S. will no longer plan to host the 2020 Group of Seven meetings at his Florida resort. Published October 19, 2019
Dan Brouillette, Rick Perry’s deputy, tapped by Trump for Energy Dept. post
President Trump said Friday he plans to replace departing Energy Secretary Rick Perry with his deputy, Dan Brouillette. Published October 18, 2019
