The U.S. job market showed surprising strength in June, with employers adding 147,000 jobs, surpassing economists’ expectations of 110,000. This positive news comes as President Donald Trump wraps up two weeks of significant victories, highlighting a resilient economy despite previous predictions of doom.
The Labor Department’s report released on Thursday painted a brighter picture of the economy, contradicting claims made by some Democrats who warned of an impending recession. Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon had suggested in March that a downturn was on the horizon, while Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii accused Trump of deliberately harming the economy. However, with the latest job figures, those forecasts seem less credible.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated the job growth, noting that this marks the fourth consecutive month that job numbers have exceeded expectations. She emphasized that all job gains since Trump took office have been among American-born workers, and wages are continuing to rise. Leavitt expressed optimism that the economy will improve even further once Trump’s proposed "One Big, Beautiful Bill" is passed.
The strong job report comes amid ongoing discussions about Trump’s tariff policies, which have drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Critics like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Sen. Ed Markey have labeled these policies as reckless, arguing they could lead to increased prices for everyday goods. Yet, the administration remains confident, asserting that the economy is on an upward trajectory.
As the nation approaches the Fourth of July, the White House is keen to highlight these economic achievements. The administration believes that the recent job growth and overall economic performance will bolster support for Trump’s policies and reassure the public about the state of the economy moving forward.