Manufacturing and job growth surged in February as President Donald Trump’s economic policies took effect, reversing trends that had sidelined American workers in previous years. Data from the Federal Reserve and Bureau of Labor Statistics showed strong gains in industrial output, auto production and private-sector employment.
Industrial production jumped 0.7% last month, far surpassing projections. Manufacturing, which accounts for most of the industrial sector, climbed 0.9%, marking its largest monthly gain in a year. The auto industry led the way with an 8.5% surge in vehicle and parts manufacturing, a stark turnaround from the sector’s decline under the previous administration.
"Under the first full month of President Trump, which we haven't even gotten started yet, an incredible 93% of job gains we're in the private sector." – President Trump speaks on the job growth in America under his administration pic.twitter.com/lUddp3QggQ
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) March 7, 2025
Construction materials and business equipment also saw gains, reflecting a broader resurgence in industrial activity. Meanwhile, energy production played a key role in the economic recovery, with mining output — including oil and gas drilling — rising 2.8%. The only sector to decline was utilities, which dropped 2.5% after a weather-driven spike in January.
Under Biden, foreign-born workers saw a higher job growth rate than native-born Americans.
President Trump is reversing it.
Last month, 284K native-born gained jobs; 87K foreign-born lost jobs. 367K native-born joined workforce; 66K foreign-born left workforce.
AMERICA FIRST!
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 7, 2025
The job market also reflected this economic momentum, particularly for American-born workers. The February jobs report revealed that U.S.-born employees gained 284,000 jobs, while foreign-born employment declined by 87,000. Trump highlighted these figures, pointing out that it was the first time in more than a year that Americans had outpaced migrants in job growth.
Hey, Billy- In Trump’s first 60 days:
-Border crossings down 93%
-Gas prices hit a 4-year low
-Eggs prices down
-Job growth, 93% private
-Multiple billion dollar US manufacturing deals
-Inflation down to 1.8%
-Brokering a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war
-Deporting and…— Not Doug Bell (@NotDougBell22) March 19, 2025
The private sector led nearly all employment gains, accounting for 93% of new jobs in February. At the same time, the federal workforce shrank by 10,000, following Trump’s aggressive push to reduce government bureaucracy. His administration has already made significant cuts to agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
“Let Trump Be Trump on the Economy” Trump’s economic success is defying predictions, with inflation easing, job growth surging, and consumer confidence rebounding. https://t.co/1uKHceRGZf
— whiteaglesoring (@whiteaglesoarng) March 19, 2025
Beyond job creation and industrial expansion, Trump’s administration is taking a tough stance on trade, particularly in negotiations with Canada. His economic policies are expected to pressure Canadian officials into making concessions that will benefit American businesses and workers.
The latest data also showed that capacity utilization, a measure of how fully U.S. factories are operating, reached its highest point since last summer. This indicates growing demand for American-made goods as the country’s industrial sector continues to gain strength.
