BRINGING JOBS BACK
The American economy gained nearly 1.4 million jobs in August, making it the fourth month in a row of over 1 million jobs added.
249,000 retail, 174,000 leisure and hospitality, and 45,000 manufacturing and constructions jobs were added in August.
A record 10.6 million jobs have been gained since April, bringing back about 50% of the jobs lost from the lockdowns.
The amount of jobs added to the U.S. economy over the past 4 months, has surpassed expectations by a combined 12.2 million jobs.
Nominal average hourly earnings jumped up 0.4% in August, making a significant 4.7% increase over the past 12 months.
FALLING UNEMPLOYMENT
The unemployment rate dropped by 1.8 percentage points to 8.4%, beating expectations which only predicted a 0.4 percentage point decrease.
The August unemployment rate drop is the second largest decrease on record.
The unemployment rate fell for African Americans (-1.6 percentage points), Hispanic Americans (-2.4 percentage points), and Asian Americans (-1.3 percentage points).
In addition, those without a high schools diplomas saw a 2.8 percentage point decrease in unemployment, while the rate for adult women fell by 2.1 percentage points – the second largest drop ever.
To read more about the August Jobs Report click HERE.
Coronavirus Response Update
PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT
We continue to see strong progress in the fight against coronavirus – with the 7-day average in new cases down 37% since its peak in July.
Nearly half of all jurisdictions are now in a downward trajectory in cases.
ALL OF AMERICA RESPONSE
The Administration has worked with private sector partners to secure the delivery of 99 million N95 respirators, 15 million face shields, 83 million gloves, and more. These critical PPE supplies are helping our heroes on the frontlines stay safe while saving lives.
Thanks to President Trump’s efforts, no American who has needed a ventilator has gone without one.
President Trump has bolstered our strategic national stockpile to ensure we are prepared for any event that may come in the future.
WORLD-LEADING TESTING SYSTEM
President Trump has built the world’s leading coronavirus testing system from scratch, with more than 88 million tests completed so far.
Thanks to President Trump’s efforts, we have increased daily testing by 32,000% since mid-March.
94% of patients are receiving their test results back within just 3 days.
The Administration is providing extensive testing support to states, including providing supplies like swabs.
Surge testing has been deployed to 18 sites to date to help ramp up testing in local hot spots.
In order to ensure all Americans have access to testing resources, 94% of Federally Qualified Health Centers now offer testing.
In order to protect our seniors, more than 10,000 testing instruments and nearly 3 million tests have been shipped to nursing homes across the country.
President Trump is Committed to Ending the Violence, Rioting, and Destruction in American Cities
RESTORING PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
President Trump is committed to restoring law and order in Kenosha and other cities that have experienced violence and rioting.
President Trump has surged assets to Kenosha to help restore law and order and protect Americans.
The National Guard has been deployed and over 200 agents from the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service are assisting state and local law enforcement in Kenosha.
STANDING UP FOR LAW AND ORDER
President Trump is committed to supporting our law enforcement officers and restoring law and order.
The Trump Administration launched Operation Legend, surging over 1,000 federal agents to assist overwhelmed state and local law enforcement officials in cities plagued by crime.
President Trump has stood against dangerous calls to defund the police that would jeopardize the safety of our communities.
Thank you for how you each are serving your communities during this time. We welcome you to share this information with your networks and communities. Have a blessed weekend.
Sincerely,
Amanda Robbins
Associate Director
White House Office of Public Liaison