While February’s job growth showed some improvement over January, troubling signs emerge as unemployment ticks upward and full-time employment takes a shocking dive. But remember – Trump has barely had enough time to make a difference.
At a glance:
• The U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs in February, up from 125,000 in January
• Unemployment rate increased to 4.1 percent, exceeding expectations
• Full-time employment plummeted by 1.22 million while part-time jobs increased by 610,000
• Health care sector led job creation with 52,000 new positions
• Federal government employment decreased by 10,000, reflecting Trump-era efficiency strategies
Jobs Added But Americans Working Less
The U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs in February, showing moderate improvement over January’s 125,000 figure. Despite this apparent growth, the unemployment rate climbed to 4.1 percent. But the numbers paint a complicated picture.
The most alarming statistics reveal full-time employment decreased by a staggering 1.22 million positions, while part-time employment rose by only 610,000. This troubling shift suggests Americans are being forced to accept less stable employment with fewer benefits as the economy continues to underperform expectations.
BREAKING: The US economy adds 151,000 jobs in February, below expectations of 159,000.
The unemployment rate RISES to 4.1%, above expectations of 4.0%.
January's jobs report was also revised lower by -18,000 jobs.
DOGE job cuts and economic uncertainty are ramping up.
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 7, 2025
Health Care Leads While Retail Suffers
The health care sector dominated job creation, contributing over 52,000 new positions to the economy. Financial activities and social assistance also saw growth, providing some stability in an otherwise concerning employment landscape.
Meanwhile, the retail sector lost 6,000 jobs, highlighting ongoing challenges for brick-and-mortar businesses under current economic conditions. Manufacturing showed modest improvements, but not enough to offset losses in other sectors critical to working-class Americans.
Average hourly earnings increased by 0.3 percent to $35.93, representing a 4 percent rise over the past year. This wage growth, however, continues to lag behind real inflation rates that are squeezing American families at the grocery store and gas pump.
🚨🇺🇸U.S. ADDS 151K JOBS—BUT UNEMPLOYMENT RISES TO 4.1%
The U.S. economy gained 151,000 jobs last month, up from 125,000 in January, but unemployment ticked up to 4.1%.
Despite high interest rates and shifting economic policies, hiring remains steady, though slower than the… https://t.co/giDsw5URc7 pic.twitter.com/Q4UCyFNxVC
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 7, 2025
Federal Employment Drops While Multiple Jobholders Rise
Federal government employment decreased by 10,000 positions (obviously), reflecting strategies reminiscent of President Trump’s task force on government efficiency. This reduction aligns with conservative approaches to trimming bloated bureaucracy while overall government employment still rose by 11,000.
The number of Americans working multiple jobs increased by 96,000 to 8.86 million, signaling that more workers need additional income to make ends meet.
Economic analysts warn that upcoming employment reports may show further deterioration, with potential government-related job cuts affecting between 250,000 to 500,000 positions over the next six months.
We’ll need a few more months of data, however, to really understand what’s going on.
