A Jobs Report That Misses the Mark
The U.S. Department of Labor announced 139,000 new jobs for May 2025, and President Trump's administration wasted no time claiming victory. They called it proof of an economic boom, a testament to policies putting American workers first. But beneath the surface, the numbers reveal a troubling reality for working families struggling to keep up.
Sure, 139,000 jobs matter. Growth in health care, leisure, and social assistance keeps communities running. Yet this figure barely matches population growth, falling below the 150,000 jobs needed each month for a healthy economy. With jobless claims hitting their highest since October, families face rising costs and uncertainty. This falls short of the economic turnaround many expected.
Why accept this as enough? When job creation dips to its lowest since February 2025, and private payrolls weaken, the labor market signals distress. Workers aren't feeling the prosperity touted by the White House. They're asking if the system supports their progress or impedes it.
Tariffs and Tax Cuts: A Corporate Windfall
The administration insists tariffs and tax cuts drive growth. They say these policies bring jobs home and spark investment. But the evidence tells a different story. Tariffs inflate prices for essentials, hitting low-income families hardest. The National Employment Law Project notes that trade uncertainties stifle job growth, leaving May's payroll gains underwhelming.
The tax plan is no better. The proposed 'One Big Beautiful Bill' promises tax-free tips and historic cuts. But the House Republican proposal, costing $1.3 trillion over ten years, prioritizes corporations and the wealthy. Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and slashing corporate rates to 20 percent deepen inequality. The Congressional Budget Office warns of a $2.4 trillion deficit spike, a burden on future generations.
History shows the limits of this approach. Since Reagan's tax cuts, supply-side policies have boosted deficits while favoring the rich. Democratic administrations, averaging 164,000 jobs per month, outperform Republicans' 61,000. Why double down on a strategy that leaves workers behind?
Immigration Crackdowns Harm Everyone
By emphasizing native-born job gains, the administration overlooks a vital truth: immigrants strengthen our workforce. Harsh deportation policies shrink the labor pool and disrupt industries like hospitality and construction. The National Employment Law Project projects that removing 8.3 million undocumented workers could cut GDP by 7.4 percent and employment by 7 percent by 2028. Workers and businesses suffer alike.
Immigrants have long eased labor shortages. In 2022, they reduced market tightness by nearly six percentage points. Yet May 2025 saw the labor force shrink by 625,000, partly due to immigration restrictions. Black workers, with 6.2 percent unemployment, and Latinx workers, at 5.1 percent, face disproportionate harm. Why weaken a system that benefits us all?
Building an Economy for All
We can do better. A strong economy lifts every worker, extending benefits beyond the elite. Fair wages, robust safety nets, and inclusive policies can rebuild the middle class. Training programs and labor protections empower families. Balanced trade, rather than erratic tariffs, keeps prices stable and supply chains strong.
The administration's deregulation weakens job quality and fuels a shaky gig economy. We need rules that protect workers and ensure fair pay. Advocates for equity call for tax reforms that prioritize low-income families without inflating deficits. These steps can close gaps and strengthen communities.
The May jobs report offers no cause for celebration; it serves as a stark reminder of what's at stake. We face a choice between policies that divide and burden us, and demanding an economy where every worker thrives. Let's choose a future that delivers on the American Dream for all.