U.S. Adds 228,000 Jobs in March, Unemployment Up to 4.2%

The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March, significantly surpassing economists' expectations of 140,000, while the unemployment rate slightly increased to 4.2%. President Trump celebrated the report, attributing the job growth to his administration's policies, including new tariffs intended to bolster domestic industry. Despite the positive job numbers, analysts cautioned against over-optimism, noting that the job gains were recorded before the tariffs were implemented. The report indicated notable job growth in sectors like transportation, health care, and retail, although federal government employment declined by 4,000. Trump's supporters claim this reflects the success of deregulation and tax policies, while critics highlight the broader market uncertainty following the tariff announcements. Overall, the March jobs report suggests a resilient labor market amid various economic challenges.