Trump Era Sees Record Blue-Collar Wage Growth

Blue-collar workers in the U.S. saw nearly a 2% wage increase in the first five months of President Donald Trump's second term, the fastest growth in 60 years according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The administration attributes this to pro-growth policies, reduced labor market pressure from stricter immigration enforcement, and a focus on manufacturing. Inflation also declined during this period, further supporting wage gains. In contrast, blue-collar wages fell by nearly 2% during the first five months of Joe Biden's presidency. The Trump administration is advocating for the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' designed to boost take-home pay, eliminate federal taxes on overtime, and encourage domestic manufacturing. Economists project that if these trends persist, annualized wage growth could surpass 4%, improving living standards for workers.