The White House marked Labor Day by celebrating job growth and wage gains for Americans, slapping back at critics who paint a more pessimistic picture of the Trump economy.
“As Americans across the nation mark Labor Day, President Trump stands as the champion of the American Worker,” the White House said.
The White House credited Trump with a "private sector boom," with half a million jobs added and small business optimism on the rise as government payrolls decline from Trump's sweeping downsizing efforts.
The administration touted continuous real wage gains since Trump's inauguration in January, including a 1.4% inflation-adjusted increase among blue-collar workers over the past year.
According to preliminary government data shared on Monday, 1.2 million foreigners have exited the labor force since President Trump returned to the White House and launched his immigration crackdown.
The stunning figure is just one sign of how Trump is reshaping the economy to prioritize American workers, who have long been forced to compete with a glut of cheap, foreign labor.
Trump's critics have pointed to signs of a slowing jobs market, but the White House notes that American workers have accounted for all net job growth since January.
Employment among native-born Americans has gone up 2.4 million, while foreign employment has decreased, a stark shift after immigration hit all-time highs under Trump's predecessor.
Trump's trade policies are also "leveling the playing field" for American workers, the administration said, citing $8 trillion in new corporate investment in American production, although the long-term impact of those commitments remains unclear.
So far, Trump's tariffs have not resulted in a surge in prices as many economists predicted, with gas prices hitting five-year lows over the Labor Day weekend.
The economy is sure to weigh heavily in next year's midterm elections. Trump and his Republican allies have started selling his Big, Beautiful Bill as a victory for workers, citing tax savings for the middle-class and workers who rely on tip income.
The administration is preparing a list of professions that qualify for Trump's tax cut on tips - with workers in industries like hospitality, entertainment, and food service expected to benefit.
Despite improvements for American workers, steep economic challenges remain, with housing costs at all-time highs. Trump is considering declaring a national emergency to address the housing crisis, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
"We're trying to figure out what we can do, and we don't want to step into the business of states, counties and municipal governments," Bessent said. "I think everything is on the table."
