Americans Express Growing Concerns Over Job Market Amid Hiring Freezes and Inflation Under Trump Administration

Public Confidence in Job Market Declines

A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, conducted in October 2025, indicates a significant increase in concern among Americans about their prospects in the job market. The survey found that 47% of U.S. adults are 'not very' or 'not at all confident' in their ability to find a good job if they were to seek one. This figure marks a notable rise from 37% when the same question was posed in October 2023. The poll identifies ongoing hiring freezes and elevated inflation as key factors contributing to this growing apprehension under the current Trump administration.

This sentiment contrasts with earlier periods, such as May 2019 during President Trump's first term, when Gallup reported that 71% of Americans felt it was a good time to find a quality job, marking the highest confidence level since 2001. However, current data suggests a shift, with more than half of Americans now rating the job market as 'bad' and many believing it would be difficult to find desired employment.

Impact of Hiring Freezes on Employment Outlook

Hiring freezes are a prominent concern cited by Americans in the recent poll. The Trump administration implemented a federal hiring freeze on January 20, 2025, on the first day of its second term, which was subsequently extended until October 15, 2025. This policy aimed to reduce the size of the civilian federal workforce, leading to a decline of 23,700 employees between September 2024 and March 2025. Agencies were largely barred from filling vacancies, with exceptions for areas like immigration enforcement and national security.

Beyond the federal sector, a broader trend of corporate hiring slowdowns has also been observed. An August 2025 report, citing data from The Conference Board, indicated that 20% of U.S. firms planned a hiring freeze, nearly double the rate from the previous year. This cautious approach by companies is attributed to lingering economic and policy uncertainties.

Persistent Inflationary Pressures

Elevated inflation is another significant factor contributing to public concern regarding the job market. While inflation rates during President Trump's first term (2017-2021) were generally low, averaging around 1.9% to 2.46%, the economic landscape has evolved. During the first nine months of President Trump's second term in 2025, inflation has edged upward, averaging 2.65%. Specifically, the inflation rate reached approximately 2.7% in June 2025 and 2.9% in August 2025, partly influenced by tariffs.

The AP-NORC poll highlights that high prices for essentials such as groceries, housing, and healthcare remain a major source of financial stress for many households. Additionally, rising electricity bills and gasoline costs contribute to public anxiety. This economic environment, characterized by persistent price increases, fuels public skepticism about the overall health of the economy and its impact on job security.

Conclusion

The findings of the latest AP-NORC poll underscore a growing unease among Americans about their economic future, particularly concerning job availability and financial stability. The confluence of hiring freezes and elevated inflation, as perceived by the public under the Trump administration, presents a significant challenge. This shift in public sentiment serves as a potential warning sign for the administration, indicating that economic anxieties are deeply felt by a substantial portion of the population.