The White House marked Labor Day with a reminder that American workers are once again seeing the benefits of policies built around jobs, growth, and national pride. In a statement, the administration declared, “As Americans across the nation mark Labor Day, President Trump stands as the champion of the American Worker,” pointing to data showing strong job creation and wages finally outpacing inflation.
Since President Trump took office in January, nonfarm payrolls have grown by more than 500,000, with all net job gains coming from private employers. At the same time, federal government payrolls have been reduced—a clear sign of Washington trimming its own bureaucracy while empowering the private sector to thrive.
The numbers tell a deeper story. Native-born workers have accounted for roughly 2.4 million of those new jobs, while employment among foreign-born workers has actually declined. The administration credits enhanced immigration enforcement for protecting opportunities and ensuring that American workers—not cheap labor from abroad—are the ones benefitting.
Wages have been climbing steadily alongside job growth. Average hourly earnings rose 3.9% in July compared to the previous year, while blue-collar workers saw inflation-adjusted gains of about 1.4%. Treasury data shows that in the first five months of this administration, blue-collar workers experienced 1.7% real wage growth—the strongest start for any president since the late 1960s. The White House noted that real wages have now risen every single month since President Trump returned to office, reversing a troubling trend of 26 straight months under the previous administration where paychecks fell behind inflation.
The gains are being fueled by a policy mix that puts America first: trade policies attracting more than $8 trillion in new U.S. investment, regulatory reforms that slash compliance burdens on businesses, and immigration rules that prioritize citizens over noncitizens. Together, these measures have sparked what the administration calls “a private sector boom,” with small business confidence hitting a five-month high and wages rising faster than consumer prices.
Labor Day is meant to honor the men and women who build and sustain this country. This year’s numbers highlight what happens when government steps back, enforces the rules, and lets the private sector do what it does best: create opportunity. It’s a reminder that pro-growth, common-sense policies don’t just boost the economy—they restore dignity, security, and independence to America’s working families.
