Kevin Hassett, acting Secretary of Labor, issued a Labor Day message thanking American workers and highlighting economic developments under the Trump administration. He pointed to the addition of 162,000 jobs in August and a 4.1 percent unemployment rate, stating that more than 1 million private sector jobs have been created since President Trump took office.
Economic Revival and Job Creation
Hassett asserted that American manufacturing has expanded for eight consecutive months, with jobs previously lost overseas returning to revitalize communities. He noted that manufacturing and construction jobs have seen growth for three straight months. The administration's efforts aim to foster a new era of American industrial strength, with trillions of dollars in new investments secured from companies and countries.
Future Workforce Development
The message also touched on preparing the workforce for future challenges and opportunities. Hassett mentioned expanded opportunities in skilled trades through registered apprenticeships. Furthermore, he highlighted the development of training programs for artificial intelligence integration, positioning AI not as a source of job loss but as a catalyst for job creation, business expansion, and wage growth.
Acknowledging American Ingenuity
Drawing parallels to historical American achievements, Hassett credited American workers for innovation in fields ranging from early infrastructure projects to modern technological advancements. He expressed optimism about young Americans in STEM fields and those eager to contribute to manufacturing. The Department of Labor's commitment, he stated, is to ensure the American worker remains the nation's greatest asset.