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White House Optimistic Despite Rising Unemployment and Job Cuts

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The White House framed the November jobs report as positive despite the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%, the highest in four years.
Top aides to U.S. President Donald Trump said the economy remains strong, even as wage growth slowed and more Americans sought part-time work.
The federal government cut 168,000 jobs in October and November, contributing to concerns about the labor market's health, and analysts noted mixed signals.

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Story summary

The White House framed the November jobs report as positive despite the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%, the highest in four years.
Top aides to U.S. President Donald Trump said the economy remains strong, even as wage growth slowed and more Americans sought part-time work.
The federal government cut 168,000 jobs in October and November, contributing to concerns about the labor market's health, and analysts noted mixed signals.