Trending Now - US Job Openings Increase to 7 Million Amid Labor Market Concerns

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Steve Benen, producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show"

Labor Department

WHAT:

U.S. job openings rose to nearly 7 million in January 2026.

Job postings increased from 6.55 million in December 2025 to 6.95 million in January 2026.

Employers cut 92,000 jobs in February 2026.

The U.S. economy lost 90,000 jobs in February 2026.

Cumulative job creation during Trump’s second term was 150,000 jobs.

In contrast, 1.74 million jobs were added in the final 14 months of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Trump claimed, “Since I took office, we created more than 300,000 jobs now filled by proud, hardworking American women.”

Trump claimed, “We’ve taken in $18 trillion-plus in 11 months,” which was debunked.

WHERE:

United States

WHEN:

January 2026

December 2025

February 2026

March 2022 (peak job openings)

WHY:

The American labor market has looked sluggish.

Economic growth slowed sharply to 0.7% in the last three months of 2025.

HOW:

Job openings are measured by the Labor Department.

Economic growth figures are reported by the Commerce Department.

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 21:08 UTC)

Today, the Labor Department reported that U.S. job openings rose to nearly 7 million in January 2026, increasing from 6.55 million in December. However, the economy faced challenges as employers cut 92,000 jobs and a total of 90,000 jobs were lost in February, highlighting a sluggish labor market amid a sharp slowdown in economic growth to just 0.7% in the last quarter of 2025. President Trump claimed that his administration has created over 300,000 jobs, a statement that has drawn scrutiny, especially when compared to the 1.74 million jobs added during the final 14 months of Joe Biden's presidency.