The first jobs day for 2026 shows unemployment rates were largely unchanged in December, and job gains (+50,000) were relatively modest. These December figures continued a trend for the year: often small monthly changes, especially among headline data. But the reality is these changes are adding up – and certain groups of workers are being hit especially hard.

The first year of the Trump administration has been characterized by chaotic policies that have harmed economic security, weakened the job market, and undermined civil rights laws and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that make our economy and workplaces more fair and accessible. This has resulted in meager job growth for the year. Monthly job growth in 2025 averaged just 49,000 jobs a month, compared to 168,000 in 2024. This drop was driven by losses in industries affected by tariffs, as well as painful cuts to the federal government. Women’s declines were also pronounced – they averaged 78,000 jobs gained each month in 2024, compared to just 35,000 in 2025. MORE