U.S. job growth continues to exceed expectations, with the economy adding 177,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in April. This performance follows March’s stronger-than-anticipated addition of 185,000 jobs, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, indicating a stable job market.
Economists view this steady job growth as a positive sign. Parker Sheppard, an economist at the Heritage Foundation, explained that the U.S. economy is in a favorable position. “Job growth is close to the average for the past year. The breakeven employment growth is around 150,000 jobs per month, which we are exceeding,” Sheppard noted. He also pointed out that the trade negotiations under the Trump administration could influence future job growth.
The report also showed a slight decline in the U.S. federal government workforce, down by 9,000 jobs. Sheppard emphasized that while the decrease was modest, it reflects the administration’s efforts to streamline government operations. “The government employment fell slightly in April. However, it remains higher than in 2022,” Sheppard added. The Trump administration, with the support of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has focused on reducing the size of the federal workforce and cutting government waste.
Thomas Savidge, a senior fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), explained that DOGE’s influence on federal employment would take time to fully manifest. Many federal workers are on paid leave or severance, so their impact on unemployment figures will not be apparent immediately.
Republicans have praised the April jobs report, viewing it as evidence of the success of the President’s policies. Rep. Lisa McClain, Chair of the House Republican Conference, wrote on social media that the jobs report demonstrated the effectiveness of the administration’s approach. “This is exactly what we want to see—more jobs, higher wages, and a stronger economy,” she said.
Despite these positive job growth numbers, recent polling shows that Americans are divided on President Trump’s handling of the economy. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s economic policies, while 56% disapprove. However, the April jobs report remains a key point for the White House to highlight. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted, “Wages are rising, and more Americans are joining the workforce. This is exactly what we want to see.” The White House remains optimistic about future economic growth, emphasizing that more positive outcomes are on the horizon.
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