Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Texas Democrats weigh return, urge Gov. Abbott to focus on flood recovery instead of redistricting
Texas Democrats said Wednesday they will "issue demands" for a planned second special session as they consider whether to return to Austin when the current special session adjourns Friday. Published August 13, 2025
‘Woefully out of balance’: U.S. debt surpasses $37 trillion
The U.S. national debt has exceeded $37 trillion, raising fears that the country's sea of red ink is rising faster than expected. Published August 13, 2025
Trump names Heritage Foundation economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump said he's naming E.J. Antoni, an economist at a major conservative think tank, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published August 12, 2025
Trump tariff revenue jumps to $25B monthly as inflation holds steady
President Trump's tariffs are fattening federal coffers. Published August 12, 2025
Inflation holds steady as Trump ramps up new tariffs
Prices rose 0.2% in July in a sign that tariffs haven't had a major impact on inflation so far, the government said Tuesday. Published August 12, 2025
Trump says some land-swapping may be necessary to end Russia-Ukraine war
President Trump said he'll know quickly when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday whether or not it's possible to make a deal on ending Russia's war with Ukraine, and said some "changing in land" may be necessary to end the Russian invasion. Published August 11, 2025
Retail spending surged in July despite fears
Retail spending was robust in July as consumers snapped up summer sales and wages grew above the rate of inflation, a monitor's report said Monday. Published August 11, 2025
Flurry of huge trade deals buries Trump tariff doubters
Big trade deals with Japan and the European Union have injected momentum into President Trump's trade agenda and knocked his critics back on their heels. Published July 30, 2025
Foes of Trump’s tariffs get their day in court and a shot at unraveling his trade deals
President Trump's unilateral power to impose tariffs on other nations will be hotly debated before a federal appeals court Thursday, a case that could upend the White House trade agenda and void the huge trade deals already struck. Published July 29, 2025
Trump says most nations should expect tariffs of 15% to 20% on their products
President Trump said the baseline tariff rate for most countries will be in the "15% to 20%" range as he strikes deals and assigns tariffs before a Friday deadline to set his trade terms. Published July 28, 2025
Wine, spirits industries seek a zero-tariff deal after EU trade pact with U.S.
Wine and spirits companies are urging the U.S. and the European Union to strike a zero-tariff deal after the big trade pact announced over the weekend left them in limbo. Published July 28, 2025
Europe reacts to U.S. trade deal, with French prime minister calling it ‘a dark day’
European politicians and industries were happy to avoid a trade war with the U.S. but aren't thrilled with the terms of the truce, saying the bloc capitulated to President Trump and tariffs would hold them back. Published July 28, 2025
Trump predicts 50% chance of trade deal with EU
President Trump says the U.S. has a "50-50 chance" of making a trade agreement with the European Union as negotiators race against an Aug. 1 tariff deadline. Published July 25, 2025
South Korea scrambles to match Japan’s trade deal with Trump, slash U.S. tariffs to 15% or lower
Japan's major trade deal with President Trump is heaping pressure on South Korea to strike its own agreement to stave off sky-high tariffs on goods it sends to U.S. markets. Published July 24, 2025
Trump says he’s rooting for former ally Musk and his companies
President Trump said Thursday he doesn't want Elon Musk's companies to suffer as one of those firms, Tesla, reported a second straight quarter of declining sales. Published July 24, 2025
South Korea mulls Japan-style investment package to sway Trump
South Korea is reportedly considering a proposal to invest $100 billion in the U.S. as part of trade talks with President Trump. Published July 24, 2025
‘Money flowing in’: White House seizes momentum on trade after big Japan deal
President Trump's "massive deal" with Japan gives the White House a strong head of steam as it nears a pivotal Aug. 1 deadline to reset trade relations with global partners. Published July 23, 2025
‘Investment over tariffs’ sealed deal with U.S., Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says
Top Japanese and American officials said Wednesday they were able to reach a trade deal because Tokyo agreed to invest heavily in major projects in the United States. Published July 23, 2025
Trump claims Japan trade deal, imposes 15% tariff on goods from Asian superpower
President Trump on Tuesday said he struck a trade deal with Japan, a surprise development after the U.S. leader described the Asian country as "spoiled" by years of favorable trade terms with the American market. Published July 22, 2025
Philippine goods face 19% tariff under new deal with Trump
President Trump said Tuesday he will impose a 19% tariff on goods sent from the Philippines to the U.S. while American products entering the Asian island nation won't be taxed. Published July 22, 2025
