Story perspectives

Trump's Approval Plummets Amid Job and Inflation Woes

9/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

NBC News polling shows Trump's approval at 43%, with 61% disapproving of his inflation management, posing midterm challenges for Republicans.
The August jobs report indicates only 22,000 jobs added, falling short of the 75,000 expected, with unemployment rising to 4.3%.
Manufacturing jobs declined by 12,000 in August, totaling 78,000 lost this year, raising concerns over trade policies.
For the first time since April 2021, unemployed individuals outnumber available jobs, indicating a skills and location mismatch.
Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns of potential runaway inflation without an independent central bank, citing historical crises.

History

Historical Context

The 1970s saw inflation soar, peaking at 13.5% in 1980, prompting the Federal Reserve, led by Chairman Paul Volcker, to raise interest rates to 20% to stabilize the economy. This historical struggle with inflation resonates today, as public discontent with inflation management is reflected in Trump's 61% disapproval rating, alongside a sluggish job market that added only 22,000 jobs in August.

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Story summary

NBC News polling shows Trump's approval at 43%, with 61% disapproving of his inflation management, posing midterm challenges for Republicans.
The August jobs report indicates only 22,000 jobs added, falling short of the 75,000 expected, with unemployment rising to 4.3%.
Manufacturing jobs declined by 12,000 in August, totaling 78,000 lost this year, raising concerns over trade policies.
For the first time since April 2021, unemployed individuals outnumber available jobs, indicating a skills and location mismatch.
Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns of potential runaway inflation without an independent central bank, citing historical crises.

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