Donald Trump has been facing immense odds against him. But he’s doubling down on himself.
And a report just hit President Trump’s Oval Office desk that surprised even him.
Trump Economy Roars As April Jobs Report Crushes Expectations
The American economy under President Trump’s leadership delivered a stunning performance in April, as revealed by the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers added a robust 177,000 jobs, soaring past economists’ modest predictions of 133,000. This surge signals a thriving job market, bolstered by pro-growth policies that continue to fuel opportunity across the nation. CNBC’s Rick Santelli, a seasoned market observer, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, calling the numbers “good news” for workers and businesses alike.
“Here we go! The jobs, jobs, jobs report for April hitting the wires, non-farm payrolls, a greater 177,000!” Santelli exclaimed on Squawk Box. “We were expecting, as Joe [Kernen] pointed out, 133,000. 177,000 would be the second best of the year outside a woods in the rearview mirror, which was 228,000. That becomes 185,000 because the two month adjustment is minus 58,000.” His excitement captures the momentum of an economy firing on all cylinders, with April’s numbers marking one of the strongest showings of the year. The Trump administration’s focus on deregulation and tax relief appears to be paying dividends, creating fertile ground for job creation.
Beyond the headline numbers, the report reveals a steady labor market with enduring strengths. The unemployment rate held firm at 4.2%, a level that speaks to the resilience of American workers. Average hourly earnings ticked up by 6 cents from March, with year-over-year earnings growth at a solid 3.8%. Santelli noted, “Now, let’s go to the huge three. The unemployment rate remains at 4.2%. Let’s look at the average monthly earnings on a month-over-month basis, it’s expected up, three tenths comes in light. Three tenths of a percent equally in February, to find a smaller number, you have to go all the way back to August 2023. Now let’s look at earnings on a year-over-year basis, also one tenth light, 3.8%. We were looking for 3.9%. 3.8% equals the rearview mirror.” These metrics point to consistent wage growth, providing workers with more purchasing power.
The workweek also saw a slight uptick, with the average for all employees reaching 34.3 hours, a notch above expectations. “And if we look at the workweek, the hours worked, all employees, 34.3, that’s good news! We up-ticked it one tick than what we were expecting, that was 34.2,” Santelli added. This increase suggests employers are leaning on their workforce to meet rising demand, a testament to the economic vitality fostered by policies that prioritize American industry. Additionally, the labor force participation rate climbed to 62.6%, a figure Santelli celebrated as a sign of growing confidence among workers re-entering the job market.
Critics, particularly Democrats, have tried to cast a shadow over Trump’s economic record, pointing to his reciprocal tariffs as a supposed drag on growth. Yet, these claims falter in the face of hard data. The tariffs, currently on a 90-day pause, have been part of a strategy to level the playing field for American workers and businesses. Meanwhile, the consumer price index (CPI) in March rose by a modest 2.4%, below what economists anticipated, signaling that inflation remains in check. This combination of strong job growth and cooling inflation counters the narrative of economic mismanagement, showcasing the effectiveness of Trump’s America First approach.
As businesses continue to hire and wages grow, the benefits of Trump’s economic vision are tangible for millions of families. With the labor market showing no signs of slowing, the path forward looks promising for a nation reaping the rewards of bold leadership.
President Trump Wants Tax Cuts For Americans In New Federal Budget
President Donald Trump’s vision for America’s economic future is taking center stage as Republicans in Congress rally to cement his 2017 tax cuts into permanent law. Republican strategist Scott Jennings, speaking on Thursday, emphasized the urgency of this mission, framing it as both a policy win and a political necessity. “Failure is not an option and as a message to the Republicans, you have to pass the president’s agenda,” Jennings declared. The proposed budget reconciliation bill not only aims to extend Trump’s tax reductions but also includes bold moves like eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, offering tangible relief to working-class Americans.
The Trump administration’s tax policies stand in sharp contrast to the Democratic approach, which Jennings argues is rooted in raising taxes across the board. “President Trump wants to cut them. The Democrats want to raise them,” he said, drawing a clear distinction that resonates with voters. This divide is particularly evident as Republicans push to protect the financial well-being of everyday workers, from service industry employees to retirees. The proposal to end federal taxation on tips, first announced by Trump at a June 2024 campaign event in Las Vegas, has sparked enthusiasm among service workers, a group often overlooked by Washington elites.
Democrats, however, appear to be doubling down on policies that could burden American families. During a Tuesday event, former Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo called for wealth redistribution, claiming it was essential for democracy’s survival. Such rhetoric only fuels Republican arguments that Democrats are out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens. Jennings sharply criticized this stance, noting, “This is the big problem for Democrats. You can never define who is rich.” He warned that Democratic policies risk hiking taxes for anyone with a job, a move that could alienate millions of hardworking Americans.
In a heated exchange on CNN NewsNight, Democratic strategist Xochitl Hinojosa attempted to push back, insisting, “Democrats do not want to raise taxes, that the Democrats do not want to raise taxes.” Yet, host Abby Phillip quickly pointed out the Democratic Party’s repeated calls to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans, exposing the inconsistency in Hinojosa’s claim. The back-and-forth grew contentious when Hinojosa took a jab at Jennings, referencing “your friends like Elon Musk and Donald Trump and all of those people.” Jennings, unfazed, challenged her to clarify, asking, “What people? Give me an idea,” as Hinojosa struggled to articulate her point.
The Republican agenda, as articulated by congressional leaders, is not just about tax cuts but also about fiscal responsibility. Negotiations are underway to pair the tax package with at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, ensuring that Trump’s priorities are enacted without ballooning the deficit. This disciplined approach aligns with the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American workers over bureaucratic excess, a hallmark of Trump’s economic philosophy. By focusing on policies that directly benefit the middle class, Republicans aim to deliver on promises that have long defined their platform.
Jennings’ warning to Republicans is clear: failing to pass this legislation would have dire consequences. “If you vote against this bill, then… the tax cuts will expire, and everybody with a job who pays taxes, their taxes will go up. That is the Democrat position, is it not?” he asked pointedly. The stakes are high, as allowing the 2017 tax cuts to lapse would effectively raise taxes on millions of Americans, a scenario Republicans are determined to prevent. The bill’s passage would not only secure Trump’s legacy but also solidify the GOP’s reputation as the party of economic opportunity.
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