Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Trump says he will not back down in negotiations with Harvard University, seeks $1 billion
President Trump said Tuesday his administration would seek $1 billion from Harvard University over allegations the Ivy League school mishandled claims of antisemitism on campus. Published February 3, 2026
Secret Service cracks down on payment-card ‘skimmers’ in four cities
The Secret Service said Monday it launched a multi-city campaign to remove illegal "skimming" devices used to steal credit and debit card information during legitimate transactions at gas stations and shops. Published February 2, 2026
Trump looks to secure critical minerals through first-of-its-kind stockpile
President Trump launched a critical minerals stockpile on Monday to reduce U.S. reliance on China for supplies of cobalt, lithium and other precious materials that major companies need. Published February 2, 2026
Senator’s blockade complicates path of Trump’s pick for Fed chairman
A Republican senator is vowing to oppose Federal Reserve nominees until a criminal inquiry into Chair Jerome H. Powell is resolved, creating an uncertain path for President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank. Published February 1, 2026
State Dept. sanctions seven Iranians over protest crackdown, financial issues
The Trump administration is imposing sanctions on Iranian officials involved with security forces who cracked down on mass protests in the Islamic republic. Published January 30, 2026
Sen. Elizabeth Warren worries Fed pick Kevin Warsh passed Trump’s ‘loyalty test’
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is casting doubt on President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve, saying he's destined to put fealty to the White House above the central bank's independence. Published January 30, 2026
Trump selects Kevin Warsh, former Fed governor, to lead the central bank
President Trump said Friday he is nominating Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, calling him reliable and straight out of "central casting." Published January 30, 2026
Trump says he will name Fed nominee Friday, calls Powell a ‘moron’
President Trump said he's ready to announce his nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, scheduling the announcement for Friday. Published January 29, 2026
Trump says Venezuela airspace will fully reopen, allowing visits
President Trump said he ordered his team to reopen airspace over Venezuela on Thursday, four weeks after the U.S. raid to capture strongman Nicolas Maduro and several years after commercial airlines paused direct flights to the South American country. Published January 29, 2026
Trump fumes over Fed interest-rate decision, calls Jerome Powell a ‘moron’
President Trump escalated his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, dubbing the central banker a "moron" for keeping interest rates steady. Published January 29, 2026
Fed stands pat on rates in first meeting of 2026, despite Trump’s push for cuts
The Federal Reserve took a wait-and-see approach on Wednesday by keeping its benchmark interest rate steady after a series of cuts to close 2025. Published January 28, 2026
Rubio says Venezuela shows promise after raid amid ‘gangster paradise’
The Trump administration is seeking a transition to a "friendly, stable, prosperous" Venezuela that is democratic and holds free and fair elections, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress on Wednesday, but cautioned it won't happen overnight. Published January 28, 2026
Trump warns Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over his ICE comments
President Trump warned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday that he is "playing with fire" after the local leader said his city does not enforce federal immigration laws. Published January 28, 2026
Trump urges Iran to deal on nuclear ambitions, or else U.S. fleet will act with ‘speed and violence’
President Trump told Iran on Wednesday that "time is running out" to make a deal on its nuclear ambitions and that a U.S. armada is ready to make Tehran pay if it does not come to the negotiating table, but U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they wouldn't help any further American strikes on their Middle East neighbor. Published January 28, 2026
Trump launches midterm campaign blitz in Iowa, hails low gas prices and economic turnaround
President Trump received a hero's welcome in the heartland as he kicked off a midterm election roadshow to promote his economic agenda and combat polls showing that Americans are skittish about pocketbook issues. Published January 27, 2026
EU, India strike ‘mother of all deals’ on trade
India and the European Union agreed to a massive trade deal on Tuesday, indicating that some countries are enhancing their economic cooperation while they confront tariff tensions with the U.S. Published January 27, 2026
Trump plans to raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing impatience with deal’s OK
President Trump says he will increase tariffs on South Korean products from 15% to 25% because he is tired of waiting for the Asian country's legislature to approve its bilateral trade deal with the U.S. Published January 27, 2026
Trump zeroes in on domestic issues after foreign forays of first year
President Trump's trip to Iowa on Tuesday marks a pivot to domestic issues in a make-or-break midterm year, after an intense focus on foreign trade and settling wars during the first 12 months of his term. Published January 26, 2026
Companies plan to build first U.S. aluminum smelter since 1980, in a boon for Trump’s agenda
Century Aluminum and an Emirati firm said Monday they will build the first U.S.-based aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years, a major boost for President Trump's plan to drive domestic production through tariffs and tax policy. Published January 26, 2026
U.K.’s Starmer slams Trump for saying NATO stayed ‘off the front lines’ in Afghanistan
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is condemning President Trump's claim that some NATO troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan. Published January 23, 2026
