Are jobs on the rise??

U.S. Job Growth Since Trump Took Office — Trends, Polls & Demographics

A Snapshot of Job Growth (2017–2026)

When Donald Trump first assumed office in January 2017, the U.S. economy was still recovering from the Great Recession and the labor market was strengthening. For much of Trump’s first term (2017–2020), job growth was steady, with monthly non-farm payroll gains often exceeding 150,000 jobs. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused historic job losses that temporarily reversed those gains.

After Trump’s re-election and return to office in 2025, job growth has weakened significantly:

In 2025, official Bureau of Labor Statistics data initially estimated the U.S. added 584,000 jobs, but revised figures based on more comprehensive payroll data show a much smaller total — about 181,000 jobs — making it the weakest year of job creation since 2003 outside recession periods. 

https://www.wbrc.com 

Early 2026 data shows job openings rising to almost 7 million, yet hiring remains subdued, and 92,000 jobs were lost in February 2026 — a sign that even headline estimates of job gains may mask deeper weakness. 

AP News

The annual pace of new job creation has fallen from over 2 million in recent years to periodic gains that average well below what’s needed to keep pace with working-age population growth. 

https://www.wbrc.com

Demographic Impact & Racial Disparities

Job market outcomes have not been uniform across demographic groups:

Black and Asian workers have experienced higher unemployment rates relative to White workers during slower job growth phases. Analysts highlighted rising unemployment for Black workers and longer unemployment durations for older workers in 2025. 

Center for American Progress

Long-term unemployment has increased, particularly among younger and older workers, further exacerbating inequality. 

Center for American Progress

Labor force participation overall has slowed, in part due to demographic trends (aging population) and reduced immigration, which shrinks the potential labor pool and dampens demand for new workers. 

Forbes

Public Opinion: Poll Numbers & Economic Confidence

Despite official unemployment rates near historical lows (around 4.4%), public sentiment about job prospects and the economy has been largely pessimistic:

Nearly half (47%) of American adults say they lack confidence in finding a good job, underscoring anxiety about labor market prospects even when jobs exist. 

The Times of India

In late 2025, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found President Trump’s overall approval rating had dropped to 39%, with just 33% approving of his handling of the economy and only 27% satisfied with his management of the cost of living — factors closely tied to employment and wages. 

Reuters

A Pew Research poll from October 2025 showed 74% of Americans rated the economy as only “fair” or “poor”, and 53% said Trump’s economic policies made conditions worse. 

Pew Research Center

Other polls suggest a partisan divide: Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view economic conditions positively, but overall confidence remains subdued. 

Pew Research Center

Why Job Growth Has Slowed Since 2017

Economists attribute the slowdown in U.S. job creation under Trump’s second term to several structural and policy factors:

1. Trade Policies and Tariffs

Tariff increases on imports have raised costs for U.S. businesses and consumers. Recent analyses suggest that job creation may have actually dipped after tariff hikes, with some sectors snapping back job losses when trade costs rose. 

Polls indicate many Americans — including nearly **7 in 10 — believe tariffs have cost them money. 

Investors.com

The Guardian

2. Restrictive Immigration Policies

Crackdowns on both legal and illegal immigration have sharply reduced the number of new workers entering the labor force. While fewer workers might reduce unemployment on paper, it also slows overall employment growth, reduces consumer demand, and leaves labor shortages in some industries. 

Forbes

3. High Interest Rates and Business Caution

Elevated interest rates have made borrowing more expensive, discouraging business expansion and hiring. Companies are increasingly cautious about new hires, prioritizing cost control over expansion. 

Forbes

4. Technological Change & Automation

Technological advancements, especially from automation and AI, have shifted hiring patterns. Many routine jobs are being automated faster than new roles are being created, contributing to overall sluggish employment growth.

5. Demographic Shifts & Labor Force Structure

An aging workforce and slower population growth mean fewer new job seekers. Combined with demographic trends like lower participation rates among some groups, overall job growth potential has softened.

6. Economic Uncertainty & Geopolitical Risks

Recent geopolitical events — from war in the Middle East to domestic policy uncertainty — have prompted businesses to delay hiring and investment, compounding slower job creation. 

AP News

Conclusion: A Complex Job Market Reality

While headline unemployment rates remain relatively low, the broader labor market under President Trump’s second term has shown notably slower job growth compared to recent years. The combination of trade policies, demographic shifts, tightening labor markets, and public anxiety has reshaped the employment landscape.

Polls consistently show that many Americans view the economy as weak and feel insecure about job prospects, even as official data shows unemployment near historic lows. These mixed signals reflect deeper structural changes in the workforce and public expectations about work, wages, and economic opportunity.