President Donald Trump on Friday responded to new employment data showing an increase in the national unemployment rate, defending his administration’s economic record and emphasizing that recent job losses are largely tied to reductions in the federal workforce—not declines in the private sector.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump argued that private-sector hiring remains strong and that the administration’s focus on shrinking government payrolls is temporarily affecting headline unemployment figures.
“Every new job being created is in the private sector,” the president wrote. “We could immediately lower unemployment by expanding the federal workforce, but those jobs would be unnecessary and costly. That’s not good for taxpayers.”
Trump also criticized how the unemployment rate has been reported, saying the figure does not adequately reflect ongoing government workforce reductions.
According to the latest data, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in November, up from 4.4 percent in September. While some analysts view the increase as a sign of a cooling labor market, administration officials maintain that the rise is primarily the result of planned federal job cuts rather than broader economic weakness.
The Department of Labor reported that the economy shed approximately 105,000 jobs in October, followed by a gain of roughly 64,000 jobs in November. The mixed results have fueled debate about the overall direction of the labor market, particularly after revisions to earlier employment reports.
Earlier this year, Trump dismissed the Commissioner of Labor Statistics following a jobs report that fell significantly short of expectations. Since then, the administration has pushed for closer scrutiny of employment data and how it is communicated to the public.
Despite concerns surrounding the headline numbers, portions of the latest report exceeded forecasts. Private payroll growth came in stronger than expected, reinforcing the White House’s position that the private economy continues to add jobs even as the federal workforce contracts.
Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said recent job losses were driven in part by voluntary buyouts offered to federal employees as part of a broader effort to reduce the size of government.
“About 160,000 federal workers accepted buyouts through programs launched earlier this year,” Hassett said in a televised interview. “From a private-sector standpoint, job growth has followed a steady upward trend.”
Some economists have urged caution when interpreting short-term data, noting that additional reports will be needed to determine whether the labor market is stabilizing or slowing further. Others point out that wage growth has moderated and that hiring momentum has eased since the spring.
In a recent national address, Trump acknowledged economic pressures facing American families but said his policies are designed to deliver long-term gains. He pledged continued efforts to lower costs, expand domestic manufacturing, and attract investment in U.S.-based technology and industry.
While unemployment and cost-of-living concerns remain at the forefront of the national conversation, the administration maintains that reducing federal payrolls while strengthening private-sector job creation will ultimately lead to a more durable and sustainable economy.