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Job Growth Plummets: Unemployment Hits 4.3% Amid Cuts

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Only 22,000 jobs were added in August 2025, a 75% drop from last year.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% as manufacturing and construction posted net losses.
The federal government cut about 97,000 jobs in 2025, with more cuts expected.
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed a Labor Department official after a disappointing jobs report.
Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates at its upcoming meeting.

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Story summary

Only 22,000 jobs were added in August 2025, a 75% drop from last year.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% as manufacturing and construction posted net losses.
The federal government cut about 97,000 jobs in 2025, with more cuts expected.
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed a Labor Department official after a disappointing jobs report.
Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates at its upcoming meeting.