As Americans prepare for Labor Day weekend, prices are soaring and jobs are disappearing. Data released yesterday shows that companies cut more than 52,000 jobs last month, up 58% from July. The ADP jobs report showed that in August the private sector had the slowest pace of job creation since January — while manufacturing, professional services, and information sectors all shed jobs.
This weekend is on track to be the “most expensive Labor Day ever.” A standard Labor Day barbecue could cost nearly 7% more for working families this year compared to last year, with staple items like ground beef, hot dogs, and tomatoes increasing the most, and gas and diesel prices still soaring. In the month of August, the national average remained above four dollars every day for the first time ever, setting a record for the most expensive August at the pump.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
“Donald Trump has made life harder for everyday Americans, as his reckless tariffs and deadly and costly war with Iran push up prices even higher and cause the job market to spiral. Working families deserve to enjoy their hard-earned holiday weekends, but Trump and Republicans’ agenda has made everything from gas to groceries more expensive and left families with no breathing room. It’s no wonder Americans are rejecting Trump and Republicans, forcing Trump’s approval ratings to fall to embarrassing lows.”
Under Trump, the average American household has had to spend more than $3,800 extra, including $310 for groceries and $757 on housing costs. Mortgage rates have hit their highest level in over a year. Americans have spent $72 billion more on gas, an extra $604 for the average household, since the beginning of Trump’s war with Iran.
