According to an analysis of BLS data by the nonprofit Economic Policy Institute, increases in nominal average hourly earnings have continued a downward slide that began in 2022.
New Republic
September 8, 2025
August’s payroll losses were particularly acute in professional and business services, the federal government and wholesale trade. But weakness was evident across sectors. “There have also been sustained losses over recent months in manufacturing, construction and mining, an indication that Trump’s blue-collar renaissance is clearly not happening,” Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, posted on Bluesky.
Observer
September 8, 2025
“We’re not seeing any evidence yet of improved conditions for [domestic] workers,” said Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute. “Some employers, especially in certain industries, have been ready to make a push for more H-2A and H-2B visas… They see that the only way they are going to replace that workforce is with these programs.”
Investigate Midwest
September 8, 2025
“Trump’s blue-collar renaissance is clearly not happening,” Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, wrote in a commentary.
Investopedia
September 8, 2025
Eight states currently have equal wages for tipped and non-tipped workers. In states where tipped wages are $2.13 per hour, the poverty rate for waitstaff and bartenders hovers around 18.5%, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a left-of-center think tank, citing U.S. Census data. For states with one minimum wage, the poverty rate is about 11.1%.
Fortune
September 8, 2025
KALW San Francisco
September 8, 2025
These effects are reshaping the local economy and call into question whether tariffs are achieving their stated goal of boosting U.S. jobs and manufacturing. Joining us on AirTalk today for more is Adam S. Hersh, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, and Ching Fu, Meet Fresh General Manager.
LAist
September 8, 2025
Elise Gould, the director of health policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, similarly noted that “there have… been sustained losses over recent months in manufacturing, construction, and mining,” in recent months, which she said was “an indication that Trump’s blue-collar renaissance is clearly not happening.”
Common Dreams
September 5, 2025
President Donald Trump has also slashed 300,000 jobs from the federal workforce, making the social safety net cuts felt even more acutely. While many of these workers may not participate in these programs, their decreased spending is expected to ripple through their communities, according to Kyle Moore, an economist with the Economic Policy Institute.
SNAP and Medicaid are intended to kick in during economic downturns, softening a crash. But increased work requirements do the opposite, Moore adds.
“In fact, it’s taking away crucial help from families and children which limits their ability to participate in the labor market.”
Politico Women Rule newsletter
September 5, 2025