White House Dismisses Rise in Unemployment

Administration Spins Weak Jobs Report as a Sign of Strength

On Thursday, the White House attempted to reframe a disappointing jobs report, presenting the modest increase in the unemployment rate as a testament to the strength of the current economic policies.

According to the Labor Department’s latest figures, the unemployment rate edged higher, contradicting the administration’s earlier claims of a booming labor market. Despite the data, senior officials emphasized that the overall trajectory remains positive, pointing to steady job growth in key sectors and the administration’s efforts to boost hiring.

In a press briefing, the White House spokesperson argued that the temporary rise is “a normal fluctuation in a dynamic economy” and urged the public to focus on the “long‑term gains” driven by recent tax reforms and deregulation initiatives.

Critics, however, warned that downplaying the uptick could mask underlying weaknesses, such as slowing wage growth and persistent gaps in employment opportunities for marginalized groups.