Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
GOP wins House majority, completing Washington sweep
Republicans have won control of the House, cementing a trifecta in Washington and empowering the party to enact President-elect Donald Trump's agenda. Published November 14, 2024
Trump turns heads by nominating Gaetz for attorney general, Gabbard for top intelligence post
President-elect Donald Trump startled much of Washington Wednesday by selecting Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general, putting the Florida firebrand and MAGA loyalist in line to be the nation's chief law enforcement officer, a nomination that some Republicans doubt will survive. Published November 13, 2024
Trump selects Gabbard to oversee intelligence gathering
President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to nominate former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, the Cabinet member in charge of gathering and sharing sensitive foreign information and secrets. Published November 13, 2024
Medicare Part B premiums to rise 6% in 2025, agency says
Seniors enrolled in Medicare will pay more in 2025, as premiums in Part B climb by 6% because of upticks in underlying prices and the use of health services. Published November 13, 2024
Special counsel Jack Smith expected to step down before Trump takes office
Special counsel Jack Smith is planning to step down with his team before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, according to a new report. Published November 13, 2024
ExxonMobil chief urges Trump to remain in Paris climate deal
The chief of ExxonMobil is pressing President-elect Donald Trump to stay in the Paris accord on climate, saying another withdrawal would confuse investors. Published November 12, 2024
Judge delays proceedings in Trump case, citing unusual situation
New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan delayed proceedings in President-elect Donald Trump's business-record case Tuesday, agreeing with prosecutors and defense attorneys who said they needed time to unpack the unusual situation around the incoming U.S. leader. Published November 12, 2024
Schumer relents, invites GOP’s McCormick to Senate orientation after backlash
Senate Democratic Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer is inviting Sen.-elect David McCormick to an orientation session for new members, reversing his earlier refusal to invite the Republican while Pennsylvania finished counting votes from Nov. 5's election. Published November 12, 2024
New York judge set to decide whether to dismiss Trump’s criminal conviction
A New York judge will decide Tuesday whether to dismiss President-elect Donald Trump's felony conviction in Manhattan in light of the Supreme Court decision that granted presidents immunity for official acts. Published November 12, 2024
Trump to pick Gov. Kristi Noem to lead Homeland Security
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to select South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, naming a loyal ally to carry out his border security and deportation plans. Published November 12, 2024
Trump’s tariff threat sets off a scramble among companies, foreign countries
President-elect Donald Trump's victory has companies and countries scrambling to avoid looming tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. Published November 11, 2024
RFK Jr. cues up clash by calling for the removal of fluoride from drinking water
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing President-elect Donald Trump to crack down on fluoride levels in drinking water, saying the mineral can lead to unintended medical problems -- and setting up a clash with medical experts who defend it as a proven way to fighting cavities. Published November 11, 2024
Jack Smith winding down Trump cases before inauguration, asks judge to cancel deadlines
A federal judge is granting special counsel Jack Smith's request to cancel pretrial deadlines in the election subversion case against President-elect Donald Trump as the government finds a way to deal with his victory and looming inauguration. Published November 8, 2024
Retail group expects jump in import volume ahead of Trump tariffs
A major industry group says ports will see a flood of imports through the end of the year as retailers brace for another port strike and try to get ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's looming tariffs. Published November 8, 2024
White House says Kamala Harris’ loss part of global anti-incumbent movement
President Biden stands by his decision to drop out of the presidential race, the White House said Thursday, and suggested the Democrats' loss was part of a global phenomenon in which voters rejected incumbents because of pandemic fallout. Published November 7, 2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Trump on election win, urges cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory and lobbied the incoming U.S. leader to embrace "win-win cooperation," Beijing officials said Thursday. Published November 7, 2024
Trump’s legal jeopardy is about to evaporate in criminal cases
President-elect Donald Trump's big victory is not only a historic return to the White House, it likely spells the end of four long-running criminal prosecutions of him by the Biden Justice Department and Democratic state prosecutors. Published November 6, 2024
Awkward: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau congratulates Trump on victory
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his victory, a nod to their countries' close relationship despite their personal animus over the years. Published November 6, 2024
Trump is on track to win the popular vote
President-elect Donald Trump has won the White House through the Electoral College, but he's also on track to win the popular vote -- a development few people saw coming. Published November 6, 2024
U.S. Chamber of Commerce congratulates Trump after 2021 rift
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday and pledged to work with his administration on deregulation and "pro-growth" policies. Published November 6, 2024
