Democrats Blame Trump For Jobs Report as Republicans Play Defense
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- Democrats warned that the poor February jobs report, showing a loss of 92,000 jobs and a rise in unemployment to 4.4%, signals a potential recession and blamed President Trump’s focus on foreign policy over domestic economic issues.
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s policies, particularly his tariff regime and handling of gas prices, for contributing to job losses and economic weakness ahead of the midterm elections.
- JPMorgan Chase had already estimated a 33% chance of recession in 2019, and economists like Ryan Sweet indicated that the weak job data and rising oil prices could increase that risk.
- White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett acknowledged the surprise in the jobs report but
