The number of people who say that it’s hard to get a job right now has hit its highest point since early 2021
Americans feel terrible about Donald Trump’s economy, and their concerns are driven in part by his disastrous job market. According to new data released today, consumer confidence fell by 6.7 points in September to the lowest level since 2014, driven by souring views on the labor market and broader economic conditions. The Present Situation index, which measures how people feel about the economy, fell 7.9 points, and the Expectations index, which measures how people feel about the future, fell 5.9 points. Consumers’ expectations for the future are the worst since 2013, and for only the second time on record, more people say their family’s current financial situation is bad than good.
More new data released today showed that the labor market is stagnant, and it’s a tough market for job seekers. The number of people who say that it’s hard to get a job right now has hit its highest point since early 2021. U.S. job openings fell by 256,000 in August — including big drops in construction and manufacturing jobs — the lowest job-openings rate in 5 months.
In response, DNC Deputy Communications Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
“Donald Trump and JD Vance have made it impossible for everyday Americans to get by as it becomes even harder to find or change jobs, and prices continue to soar. As Trump cozies up to his wealthy donors and ultra-rich elites and makes it crystal clear that he could not care less about the pain working families are feeling, Americans are outraged. Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ has been a disaster for working families — and it’s going to cost Republicans the midterms.”
Last year was the worst year for job creation outside of a recession in more than 20 years, and the economy added less than 200,000 jobs throughout the entire year. It’s no wonder only 28% of American workers believe it is a good time to find a quality job, and two-thirds of Americans say Trump has worsened economic conditions.
Thanks to Trump’s reckless tariffs and deadly and costly war with Iran, American households have had to spend an extra $4,200 on everyday essentials, including $310 more for groceries and an extra $833 on housing costs. The national average price for a gallon of gas is up $1.33, and for diesel it is up $2.80 since Trump took office, meaning Americans have paid an additional $122 billion today at the pump under Trump and Vance.
