Real Job Losses Behind the Headlines
Economist EJ Antoni and WarRoom host Steve Bannon called out what they see as serious flaws in the latest U.S. job report, dismissing claims of a healthy labor market under the current administration. The numbers, Antoni argues, don’t match the reality for many American workers. Instead of growth, he explains, “we’re actually losing jobs,” particularly in stable, full-time positions. In conversation with Bannon, Antoni broke down how deeper job losses are disguised, pointing to alarming trends affecting American livelihoods.
The Real Jobs Story: "A Net Loss of Jobs”
The recent job report shows a "net loss of jobs of a hundred thousand,” according to Antoni. While initial numbers may appear to show job growth, the details reveal a starkly different picture. The report’s downward revisions for past months, along with minimal job growth in October, indicate that we’re seeing fewer high-quality, stable jobs in industries that support the middle class. Antoni explained that job revisions routinely adjust numbers downward, resulting in an apparent 12-month trend of “losing a million jobs over a year.”
"Information Warfare”
Antoni claims the misleading job report reflects what he calls "information warfare.” With reports that manipulate public perception by focusing on headline numbers, Antoni insists the reality is different. Bannon supported this view, arguing that these reports are "gaslighting” the American people. The discussion emphasized the difference between how numbers are reported and what’s actually happening in the economy, particularly in manufacturing, which lost 46,000 jobs recently—a blow to the core sectors of American industry.
Full-Time Jobs Decline, Part-Time Work Rises
Antoni noted that much of the recent "job growth” has come from part-time positions, not the full-time jobs people rely on for stable incomes and benefits. "All of the net job growth we have seen has been in part-time jobs,” Antoni pointed out, explaining that people are increasingly forced to take on multiple lower-paying, part-time roles to make ends meet. In high-stakes industries like manufacturing, these losses are felt deeply as skilled workers are pushed into more volatile part-time positions, often with fewer or no benefits. This shift, according to Antoni, "is a sign of a struggling economy, not a thriving one.”
Manufacturing Hit Hard Under Current Policies
According to Antoni, one of the hardest-hit sectors has been manufacturing, with the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in recent months. These are typically stable, well-paying roles that help support families and build communities. As manufacturing jobs disappear, many skilled workers are left scrambling to find employment in other sectors. Antoni explained, "We’re losing good-paying jobs, and people are moving into sectors like hospitality where benefits are minimal.” This trend signals a downturn in industries that have traditionally been economic cornerstones.
Election Worries: Economic Strain and Uncertainty
Amid concerns about the economic impact, both Antoni and Bannon see a strong connection between the economy and voter sentiment. The "lived experience” of Americans struggling to keep up is shaping attitudes ahead of the next election, they argue. Antoni emphasized that these job struggles are part of a broader picture that’s not fully captured in mainstream headlines. With more Americans feeling the economic strain, the narrative of a strong economy may be tough for voters to believe.
Takeaway: A Closer Look at the Economy
For Americans feeling the impact of these shifts, Antoni’s analysis paints a sobering picture of where the economy really stands. As high-paying, stable jobs disappear, more people are turning to part-time work. Behind the government’s positive headlines, this trend tells a different story—one voters may keep in mind as they consider the state of the economy.
For more of our coverage of the manufacturing crisis:
The Anti-Manufacturing Agenda: Understanding Its Impact on American Freedom and Economy
Ric Grenell Slams Comcast’s Impact on Media, US Manufacturing, and US Safety
For more context from EJ Antoni watch this Friday WarRoom segment:
