How Trump's Policies are Fueling Black Unemployment Crisis and Harming Job Security

The AFL-CIO highlights that President Trump often claims he advocates for working individuals, vowing to safeguard "Black jobs." However, these assertions have proven hollow. Since his inauguration in January, Trump's administration has fostered employment anxiety and financial instability, as reflected in the latest July jobs report. Black unemployment has surged past 7%, nearly twice the national average, with both Black Americans and particularly Black women experiencing their highest unemployment levels since 2021. This data starkly signifies the struggles facing our communities. The federal workforce sees a significant impact, with thousands of Black workers laid off. Trump’s recent healthcare legislation heralds the largest cuts in American history, disproportionately affecting those in caregiving roles. Interestingly, historical patterns reveal that in prosperous times, Black workers are last hired, yet first let go in downturns. The current trajectory suggests a looming recession. Despite facing rising unemployment across demographics, Trump’s response has been to remove the head of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rather than confronting the distressing statistics. As a labor movement, our mission continues: to ensure every worker has representation, equitable contracts, and protection against discrimination. We will hold the current administration accountable for policies detrimental to workers, affirming that while the...