Wage growth for the poorest Americans has stalled dramatically while the wealthiest still pull ahead. The gap is widening fast—and Trump is squarely in the spotlight.
“Wage growth for the lowest-paid quartile of U.S. workers slowed to 3.7 % in June, while pay for the top 25 % rose by 4.7 %”
https://www.ft.com/content/cfb77a53-fef8-4382-b102-c217e0aa4b25
Almost 40 % of workers now earn less than inflation. Low‑income folks are losing ground fastest. That share has climbed sharply as wage gains sputter.
https://www.ft.com/content/cfb77a53-fef8-4382-b102-c217e0aa4b25
Critics argue Trump is making things worse. They point to policies that favor the rich, the firing of key labor statistics officials, and data manipulation fears.
https://www.ft.com/content/cfb77a53-fef8-4382-b102-c217e0aa4b25
US Long-term unemployment rising!
Higher than any point in the period 1948-2009.
This is a structural problem!And when it rises – Recession sets in.
Golden age…..? Really? pic.twitter.com/q5KDSVgnki
— Henrik Zeberg (@HenrikZeberg) August 3, 2025
The economy is on the precipice of recession. That’s the clear takeaway from last week’s economic data dump. Consumer spending has flatlined, construction and manufacturing are contracting, and employment is set to fall. And with inflation on the rise, it is tough for the Fed to…
— Mark Zandi (@Markzandi) August 3, 2025
“Do you think we are starting to see a real slowdown in the jobs market?” – CNBC
“Yes. the jobs numbers were slower than expected.” – Kevin Hassett
Kevin Hassett is speaking up against dear leader?
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) August 4, 2025
What was once touted as a golden age now feels brittle. The structural cracks are showing. Wage inequality is accelerating. Consumer trust is fraying.