(AURN News) — The job market continues to send warning signs, undercutting President Donald Trump’s message of a booming economy in his second term.
Private payroll data released Thursday by ADP shows the U.S. added just 54,000 jobs in August — a sharp slowdown from earlier months.
Leisure and hospitality led with the largest job gains last month, followed by construction. But other sectors posted losses: employers in trade, transportation and utilities cut 17,000 jobs, while education and health services lost 12,000.
“A variety of things could explain the hiring slowdown, including labor shortages, skittish consumers, and AI disruptions,” said Dr. Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist.
Pay growth also showed little movement. Wages rose 4.4% year over year for workers who stayed in their jobs and 7.1% for those who changed roles.
The report adds to growing concern about what many continue to experience firsthand — the labor market is cooling.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
