Trump blames Jerome 'Too Late' Powell's refusal to cut interest rates for weak jobs report

WASHINGTON, DC: A new jobs report released on Friday, September 5, revealed troubling signs for the labor market, with just 22,000 jobs added in August compared to the expected 75,000.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data followed downward revisions to previous months, pointing to stalled momentum in President Donald Trump’s second term.

Trump’s approval rating on jobs has fallen below Biden’s ratings

The August report was also the first since Donald Trump replaced the bureau’s director earlier this summer after accusing the agency of altering numbers.

Analysts have reportedly said the new data again highlighted challenges for the economy heading into fall.

On 'CNN News Central', anchor Kate Bolduan and chief data correspondent Harry Enten examined new polling that showed Trump’s approval rating on jobs falling far below former President Joe Biden’s ratings at the same point last year.

The discussion came moments before the weak report was announced on-air.

“That is worse than Joe Biden was doing in December of 2024. Joe Biden, of course, was in the basement, and yet Donald Trump is even lower down than him. You can barely get an elevator that goes that low,” Enten said.

Bolduan later added, “Donald Trump was not going to like that comparison!”

Trump slams Jerome Powell for delayed rate cuts

Donald Trump swiftly placed blame on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell following the release of the disappointing data.

"Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell should have lowered rates long ago. As usual, he’s ‘Too Late!’” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the president, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Clearly, President Trump is implementing the most aggressive pro-growth agenda in our country’s history, but this agenda continues to be held back by Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell’s foolish refusal to admit that President Trump is right about everything.”

She added, “It’s time for the Fed to finally do the right thing on behalf of the American people and cut the rates.” 

Newsom says it's Trump's 'Golden Era' rather than America's

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the economic trends, citing losses across key sectors.

“Over the last 3 months: Manufacturing: -31,000 jobs. Mining: -13,000 jobs. Construction: -10,000 jobs. Unemployment: UP. June jobs report revised: NEGATIVE. This may be Trump’s ‘GOLDEN ERA’ but it’s not America’s,” the office wrote in an X post.

Internet dubs downturn the ‘Trump recession’

Many online critics blamed Donald Trump’s policies, particularly tariffs, for the slowdown.

“It’s scary how many Americans are stupid enough to think any of this is caused by Powell. You don’t tariff (tax) your own citizens and expect the economy to perform well. This will be the Trump recession,” one wrote.

Another said, “No need to start tariff wars, now we’re looking for someone to blame,” while someone else added, “Today’s job report was AWFUL. This is Trump’s failure. His tariffs are killing our economy. Just as experts warned.”

Others argued the report would be downplayed by right-leaning media, with one writing, “The truth: jobs numbers are disappointing. But the Fox-watchers will never know the truth.”

Some still defended the president, with a supporter saying, “All of Trump’s actions are America first. This is what we voted for. The people matter again and have a president who has their back.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.