Layoff Tracker: Mass Layoffs Continue as Trump Tanks the Job Market
February 18, 2026

Donald Trump has wrecked the job market. His reckless trade war has led to mass layoffs, and everyday Americans are getting fired or having a hard time finding full-time jobs.
- United Parcel Service said it plans to cut up to 30,000 operational jobs this year.
- Citi plans to reduce its workforce by 10%, or 20,000 jobs.
- Amazon slashed about 16,000 jobs.
- Dow, Inc. announced plans to cut about 4,500 jobs.
- Whirlpool recently announced they are shedding 400 jobs.
The Challenger, Gray & Christmas layoff report released this month revealed that U.S.-based employers announced 108,435 job cuts in January, the highest January total since 2009, and employers announced just 5,306 planned hires last month, making it the lowest January total on record.
Trump says he is “very proud” of his economy, while American households paid an estimated $2,120 more in 2025 because of Trump’s inflation, and companies are planning to raise costs again, blaming Trump’s tariffs and increased health care costs.
It’s no wonder Trump is underwater on the economy — a whopping 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, the highest of either term. And his overall approval is at 38%, the lowest level of his presidency.