Consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest point since 1952

Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its jobs report for April, revealing that unemployment in Donald Trump’s economy remains high and a growing number of people are being forced to turn to part-time work because they are unable to find full-time jobs. The labor force participation rate also fell to its lowest level since 1977, outside of the worst months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the manufacturing sector is shedding jobs, despite Trump and JD Vance’s promises of a “manufacturing renaissance.”   

The report shows that Trump’s inflation is on the brink of significantly outpacing wages, with economists anticipating that any wage gains are likely to be erased by inflation as a result of Trump’s reckless tariffs and his deadly and costly war with Iran. Meanwhile, another new report today indicates consumer sentiment in April dropped to its lowest point since 1952, as consumers overwhelmingly cited high gas prices and Trump’s tariffs driving their dismal perception of Trump’s economy. 

Today’s report follows additional data released yesterday revealing U.S.-based employers announced 83,387 job cuts in April — a 38% jump from March. So far this year, employers have announced 300,749 job cuts, while hiring plans are down 69% from March and 38% from April 2025. 

Small business jobs have been hit particularly hard by Trump’s reckless trade war and economic policies. A new report found that businesses with fewer than 10 employees lost 292,000 jobs in 2o25 — 4.5 times more than in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump and JD Vance’s economy gets worse by the day, and everyday Americans are paying the price. Employers are cutting jobs left and right, unemployment is persistently high, it’s getting even harder to find a full-time job, and skyrocketing prices are eating up more of Americans’ hard-earned paychecks. Working families are taking on more and more debt just to stay afloat, and Trump refuses to change course. Instead, he’s doubling down on his policies that have pushed prices even higher and tanked the job market while he builds his White House ballroom and hands out favors to his wealthy donors. Trump continues to put his ego first, while everyday Americans get left in the dust.” 

REMINDER: The average family is spending an additional $5,000 this year because of tariffs, spiking gas prices, higher grocery costs and health insurance premium increases.