(AURN News) — The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, signaling continued growth amid global tariff tensions and economic uncertainty under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but stark differences remain among racial groups. The unemployment rate for Black Americans stood at 6.3%—the highest among any demographic—compared to 5.2% for Hispanics, 3.8% for Whites and 3.0% for Asians.
Healthcare led job gains last month, contributing 51,000 new positions. Government employment, however, declined by 9,000 jobs.
Wages also rose modestly, with average hourly earnings increasing by six cents to $36.06.
President Trump took to Truth Social to tout what he called signs of a strengthening economy.
“Gasoline just broke $1.98 a Gallon, lowest in years, groceries (and eggs!) down, energy down, mortgage rates down, employment strong, and much more good news, as Billions of Dollars pour in from Tariffs,” Trump posted Friday. “Just like I said, and we’re only in a TRANSITION STAGE, just getting started!!! Consumers have been waiting for years to see pricing come down. NO INFLATION, THE FED SHOULD LOWER ITS RATE!!!”
But the president’s claims appear to overstate the situation. According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline is $3.18 per gallon—down from $3.67 a year ago but still far from the $1.98 figure Trump cited. Meanwhile, egg prices remain elevated. A dozen eggs currently cost more than $2.99, the average price a year ago.
While the labor market remains stable, ongoing questions about inflation, tariffs and income inequality continue to loom over the administration’s economic policies.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
