Donald Trump touts private sector job growth, efforts to cut federal workforce

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce and boost private sector employment during remarks at the America Business Forum, claiming, “Since January, 100,000 bureaucrats have left the federal payroll,” and “100% of all new jobs created in America under my administration have been created in the private sector.”

The comments, as the government shutdown reaches its 37th day, come as Labor Department data shows a decline of 84,000 federal jobs from February to August 2025, while private sector jobs added 404,000 in the same period. Delayed September and October jobs reports due to the shutdown could reveal further federal cuts.

Trump’s Speech: Shrinking Government, Growing Private Sector

Trump said, “Government spending is down 2.5% this quarter compared to one year ago. Think of that.” He added, “In stark contrast to last administration, 100% of the new jobs have come from the private sector. Otherwise, you don’t have a country.” Trump emphasized, “I mean, I love government workers, but if you have all government workers, you don’t have a country, do you?”

The America Business Forum, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, featured Trump alongside business leaders discussing economic policy.

Labor Department data shows the federal civilian workforce dropped from 3.002 million in February to 2.918 million in August, a decrease of 84,000 jobs. The administration’s DOGE initiative, launched in February, offered deferred buyouts allowing workers to stop working but receive pay until September 30, per BLS notes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts such workers as employed in establishment surveys.

The ongoing shutdown, now in its 37th day, has furloughed 800,000 federal employees and delayed the September and October jobs reports, originally scheduled for October 3 and November 7, respectively. BLS confirmed the postponements due to the lapse in appropriations.

Private Sector Job Gains

From February to August 2025, the U.S. economy added 404,000 private sector jobs, per BLS monthly reports. The establishment survey, which counts nonfarm payrolls, showed average monthly gains of 50,500 in the private sector during this period.

The comments come amid a government shutdown triggered by disputes over ACA subsidies and spending, with Republicans rejecting extensions and Democrats insisting on them, per the Office of Management and Budget.

A federal judge’s November 3, order requiring partial payments for air traffic controllers has eased travel disruptions, but non-essential services remain halted, per FAA.

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On X, reactions are polarized. Liberals like @EconWatchUSA posted, “Trump’s federal cuts are layoffs—private jobs aren’t filling the gap!” while supporters like @MAGA_Economy countered, “Trump’s shrinking government—real jobs from private sector!” The CBO estimates the shutdown has cost $2.5 billion daily in economic activity.

The delayed jobs reports, expected once funding resumes, could show further federal declines due to shutdown furloughs. The DOGE initiative’s buyouts, affecting 50,000 workers, aim to reduce bureaucracy, but critics cite service disruptions.