Labor Secretary Justifies Increasing Unemployment as Indicator of a Robust Job Market
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down the latest jobs data, rising unemployment concerns, A.I.’s impact on the workforce and new federal efforts to combat escalating unemployment fraud.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has emphasized that the job market is showing signs of strength, despite recent indicators of economic softness. This comes as the unemployment rate has risen to its highest level since 2021.
Chavez-DeRemer views the increase in unemployment as a positive development, suggesting that it reflects more individuals actively seeking employment. “More people are getting off the sidelines, and they’re looking for those jobs,” she stated, framing the uptick as a sign of a robust job market rather than a cause for alarm.
In a recent interview on “Mornings with Maria”, she highlighted the administration’s achievements, noting, “The president has created over 650,000 jobs since he took office in the private sector, with most going to native-born Americans. That is positive for the American economy.”
Chavez-DeRemer further explained, “When we count the unemployment rate, you have to be looking for a job. This tells us that more people are getting off the sidelines, and they’re looking for those jobs. And that’s the exciting part.”
JOBS REPORT REVISION FLIPS TRUMP-ERA GAIN TO LOSS — AND IT’S FUELING BAD POLL NUMBERS
According to a report from the Labor Department, employers added 64,000 jobs in November, surpassing economists’ expectations. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, marking the highest level since September 2021.

People line up as they wait for a job fair to open at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 26, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Getty Images)
Chavez-DeRemer defended the rising unemployment rate, stating, “More people in the workforce looking means that unemployment might tick up. But I think the exciting parts were creating those new jobs with all the investments in Make America Skilled Again. Despite a 43-day shutdown by these Democrats, the president’s momentum has not stopped.”
When asked about the potential impact of AI-driven efficiencies eliminating jobs, she dismissed any connection to the latest job numbers. “It’s not a function of AI,” she asserted. “We want to ensure that we’re answering the call of market demands.” She noted that many companies had increased their workforce post-COVID but may now be adjusting their numbers.
‘Mornings with Maria’ jobs panel breaks down November jobs report.
Chavez-DeRemer highlighted the administration’s focus on apprenticeship programs, stating, “We’ve registered almost 300,000 new apprentices. We’re answering the call for 700,000 jobs in electricians, machinists, plumbers, and pipe fitters.”
She emphasized the need for skilled tradesmen to support the growing demand for data centers, stating, “It’s not just the coders; we need skilled tradesmen and craftsmen in this country.” This initiative aims to prepare the workforce for the evolving job landscape influenced by technological advancements.
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‘Kudlow’ panelists give their major takeaways from the White House’s jobs report and the economic impact of falling energy prices.
Chavez-DeRemer reiterated President Donald Trump’s assertion that the administration is laying the groundwork for $18 trillion in wage and job growth, as well as national security. “The president has come from behind from what the Biden administration left. He has increased it and put those dollars in Americans’ pockets, what they deserved and what they earned.”
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down the latest jobs data, rising unemployment concerns, A.I.’s impact on the workforce and new federal efforts to combat escalating unemployment fraud.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has emphasized that the job market is showing signs of strength, despite recent indicators of economic softness. This comes as the unemployment rate has risen to its highest level since 2021.
Chavez-DeRemer views the increase in unemployment as a positive development, suggesting that it reflects more individuals actively seeking employment. “More people are getting off the sidelines, and they’re looking for those jobs,” she stated, framing the uptick as a sign of a robust job market rather than a cause for alarm.
In a recent interview on “Mornings with Maria”, she highlighted the administration’s achievements, noting, “The president has created over 650,000 jobs since he took office in the private sector, with most going to native-born Americans. That is positive for the American economy.”
Chavez-DeRemer further explained, “When we count the unemployment rate, you have to be looking for a job. This tells us that more people are getting off the sidelines, and they’re looking for those jobs. And that’s the exciting part.”
JOBS REPORT REVISION FLIPS TRUMP-ERA GAIN TO LOSS — AND IT’S FUELING BAD POLL NUMBERS
According to a report from the Labor Department, employers added 64,000 jobs in November, surpassing economists’ expectations. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, marking the highest level since September 2021.

People line up as they wait for a job fair to open at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 26, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Getty Images)
Chavez-DeRemer defended the rising unemployment rate, stating, “More people in the workforce looking means that unemployment might tick up. But I think the exciting parts were creating those new jobs with all the investments in Make America Skilled Again. Despite a 43-day shutdown by these Democrats, the president’s momentum has not stopped.”
When asked about the potential impact of AI-driven efficiencies eliminating jobs, she dismissed any connection to the latest job numbers. “It’s not a function of AI,” she asserted. “We want to ensure that we’re answering the call of market demands.” She noted that many companies had increased their workforce post-COVID but may now be adjusting their numbers.
‘Mornings with Maria’ jobs panel breaks down November jobs report.
Chavez-DeRemer highlighted the administration’s focus on apprenticeship programs, stating, “We’ve registered almost 300,000 new apprentices. We’re answering the call for 700,000 jobs in electricians, machinists, plumbers, and pipe fitters.”
She emphasized the need for skilled tradesmen to support the growing demand for data centers, stating, “It’s not just the coders; we need skilled tradesmen and craftsmen in this country.” This initiative aims to prepare the workforce for the evolving job landscape influenced by technological advancements.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
‘Kudlow’ panelists give their major takeaways from the White House’s jobs report and the economic impact of falling energy prices.
Chavez-DeRemer reiterated President Donald Trump’s assertion that the administration is laying the groundwork for $18 trillion in wage and job growth, as well as national security. “The president has come from behind from what the Biden administration left. He has increased it and put those dollars in Americans’ pockets, what they deserved and what they earned.”
