Revised federal data indicates that the U.S. economy experienced virtually no job growth throughout 2025, with a revised total of only 181,000 jobs added, a stark contrast to the previous estimate and significantly lower than the 1.46 million jobs gained in 2024. This downturn, which saw job losses in four months of the year, marks 2025 as the worst year for hiring since 2020. Despite these concerning overall figures, recent hiring in early 2026 has shown an encouraging uptick, with January alone adding 130,000 roles, particularly in healthcare and construction, and the unemployment rate dropping to 4.3%. This economic picture complicates the administration’s narrative heading into the midterm elections, as job growth in key sectors like manufacturing remained stagnant, and consumer sentiment regarding the labor market has been negative.
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S&P 500 futures indicate a positive opening following yesterday’s flat close, driven by strong U.S. jobs report figures that saw unemployment fall. This has led many analysts to believe the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates further, with some even suggesting a potential rate hike due to a tightening labor market. However, dissenting opinions highlight concerns that recent job creation numbers may be inflated, pointing to downward revisions of previous data and a heavy reliance on the healthcare sector for job growth. These analysts suggest the labor market remains fragile, and expect the Federal Open Market Committee to ease policy later in the year.
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Former President Donald Trump is facing scrutiny for posting employment data on Truth Social a day before its official release, potentially violating embargo rules. The post, which included figures from the upcoming jobs report, was labeled by some as an attempt to distract from economic issues. While a White House official acknowledged the “inadvertent public disclosure,” they also stated that the focus should remain on Trump’s economic policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided advance access to the data under strict confidentiality, is expected to release its next report in February, and the White House is reviewing its data release protocols.
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The US labor market experienced unexpected growth in November, adding 64,000 jobs, exceeding economists’ expectations, though the unemployment rate climbed to 4.6%. Prior jobs growth figures were revised downward, and the government shutdown caused delays and concerns about data accuracy. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed skepticism about the data due to the shutdown’s impact, as well as the effects of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Furthermore, the report came amidst significant changes to the Bureau of Labor Statistics including a recent firing of the BLS commissioner and a drop in staff members.
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According to National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, President Trump bases his positive economic claims on specific areas where progress has been made, rather than overall economic indicators. Hassett explained that Trump focuses on items like prescription drugs and gasoline, which have seen price decreases, to support his claims of falling prices. This approach, however, contrasts with data showing a rise in consumer prices and personal consumption indices. Many viewers interpreted Hassett’s statements as an admission that the president is only exposed to selective data.
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Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says U.S. May Be Drastically Overstating Jobs Numbers, and the implications are significant. It seems the current economic data, particularly the jobs numbers, might not be as rosy as they’ve been painted. This is not just a casual observation; it’s a concern coming from the very top, the head of the Federal Reserve. It’s like a quiet alarm bell, subtly suggesting that the economy’s performance could be less impressive than the official reports indicate.
The crux of the issue boils down to how the Labor Department measures job creation, specifically how it deals with the constant churn of businesses opening and closing.… Continue reading
CDC adviser: Newborn vaccine rollback ‘wasn’t based on data’ is a statement that really cuts to the core of some serious concerns. The whole notion that a key decision, one that directly impacts the health and well-being of newborns, was made without relying on solid, factual evidence is alarming, to say the least. It suggests that something other than data, something less reliable, was the driving force behind this change in policy. That’s a huge problem.
Now, we’re talking about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. This is the agency we look to for guidance on public health, the one we expect to make decisions based on the best available scientific research.… Continue reading
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis canceled the release of its advance estimate of third-quarter GDP due to disruptions from the federal government shutdown, joining other delayed economic reports like the October jobs data. This postponement has fueled speculation that the data may reveal unfavorable economic performance, especially as President Trump touts strong growth amidst ongoing concerns. While the BEA has not set a new release date, the Federal Reserve Chair has acknowledged that the lack of data could impact policy decisions, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the true state of the U.S. economy.
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In a Friday exit manifesto, Greene criticized the legislature’s inaction during the majority’s first year, specifically regarding healthcare and the failure to address rising costs. She expressed frustration that her bills, mirroring President Trump’s Executive Orders, were ignored. Greene noted the public’s growing skepticism towards political messaging, emphasizing their awareness of personal financial struggles, including debt, rising living expenses, and economic anxieties. She implied that these everyday difficulties contribute to the public’s disillusionment with the political system.
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White House says no inflation data release likely next month, and the immediate thought that comes to mind is… well, it must be bad. Like, really bad. You know, we’ve seen this before, haven’t we? It’s a pattern. Don’t release the numbers, pretend everything’s fine, and hope the public doesn’t notice the ever-increasing prices at the grocery store or the gas pump. It’s the old “if you don’t test, you don’t get cases” strategy, repurposed for economic data. It’s almost comical in its audacity, but also deeply concerning. It’s like that quote, “We’re winning so hard we don’t have to tell you how hard we’re winning!… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood