University of Michigan professor Justin Wolfers expressed deep concern about America’s deteriorating labour market on CNN
Scarlett O’Toole Assistant Showbiz Editor
15:35, 21 Dec 2025
Donald Trump has come under fire for the recent job numbers in the USA. (Image: Getty Images)
Donald Trump is unlikely to be pleased with CNN after a guest commentator criticised the faltering American job market.
News presenter Zain Asher invited Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan, onto her programme on Saturday, December 20, to discuss potential cuts in 2026. The conversation followed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to slash interest rates for the third time this year.
These cuts could provide relief for those wrestling with high borrowing costs for significant expenses like homes and cars, but policymakers are split over how the Fed should balance a weakening labour market with escalating prices. This comes as an ex-aide claims Melania Trump will never leave Donald for a chilling reason.
CNN host Asher posed a question to her guest, asking, “And in terms of your crystal ball, looking into what we can expect for 2026, I mean we saw three rate cuts in 2025. All things being equal, what are we going to expect next year? More rate cuts? Deeper rate cuts?”.
Wolfers responded, “Let me pivot your question a little bit. I’m happy to answer it Zain, but rate cuts and bond markets and stuff, that’s a lot of interest to the financial sector.”, reports the Mirror US.
“But for the folks at home, what really matters is are they able to find work, are their jobs stable, are they able to get pay rises.”
Wolfers continued, “What we see is that the labour market has slowed quite substantially that the next batch of kids who graduate are gonna find it a lot harder to find work.”
He also indicated that “the folks who are in jobs that they don’t really like right now are finding it harder to switch and the folks who are looking for a pay rise in order to catch up with inflation are finding it harder to get those pay rises.”
The CNN contributor wrapped up by saying: “These numbers really are quite pessimistic about where we are, the lack of progress and in fact the steps back we’ve made over the last few months. Zain, if I’m sounding more worried to you than I’ve sounded in months, it’s because I am.”
Zain Asher and Justin Wolfers discussed the cuts. (Image: CNN)
A segment from the programme was posted on X, with viewers rushing to the comments section to express their frustration with the Trump administration.
“MAGAnomics needs to be thoroughly discredited through supporters experience,” one individual remarked. Another raged: “It’s going to an epic meltdown, whenever the bubble does end up popping.”
One sardonic commenter wrote: “Not to worry Justin. The billionaires are telling “the rest of us” that abundance is right around the corner, and they’ll be no need for money or jobs! Feel better now?”.
“I agree. It’s hard to be optimistic about 2026 given the deterioration in the labour market,” a fourth observer bemoaned. Someone else forecast: “After Xmas and inventory, traditionally, retail will lay off their seasonal help. Numbers are going to be bad.”
This development coincides with the daughter of Donald Trump’s physician making an explosive revelation regarding his wellbeing.
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