President Donald Trump’s economic policies are reshaping America’s workforce, funneling all net job growth in July 2025 to native-born workers. Under his leadership, the labor market has pivoted sharply from the previous administration’s reliance on migrant labor. This shift has sparked both opportunity and debate.
In July 2025, native-born Americans claimed every new job created, while foreign-born workers saw their employment numbers plummet. This marks a dramatic reversal from the Biden era, when migrant workers gained jobs at a rate far outpacing their native-born counterparts. The contrast highlights a deliberate policy shift toward prioritizing American workers.
Over the past year, employment for native-born Americans surged by 2 million, a figure that dwarfs the meager 645,000 jobs added for them during Biden’s entire term. Meanwhile, foreign-born employment dropped by 237,000 in the same period. Economist E.J. Antoni called this “the best [July] ever for employment among native-born Americans,” but one wonders if the pendulum has swung too far.
Biden’s policies favored migrant labor, creating 7.3 jobs for foreign-born workers for every one gained by an American. This approach filled corporate coffers but left working-class Americans scrambling for scraps. Trump’s course correction aims to level the playing field.
The Labor Department, now led by Lori Chavez-DeRemer, reported that native-born employment in July 2025 alone rose by 383,000. This growth has opened entry-level jobs for America’s working and lower-middle classes, who long felt sidelined. Yet, the zero-sum framing risks pitting communities against each other.
Foreign-born workers have faced a stark decline, with 1.5 million fewer employed since April 2025. The Zero Hedge blog attributed this to an “illegal alien labor purge,” a provocative claim that oversimplifies a complex issue. Policy shifts, not purges, are driving these numbers, but the human cost deserves scrutiny.
Native-born American employment now stands 1.8 million above pre-pandemic levels, a milestone Antoni hailed as a triumph. “Employment among native-born Americans exploded over the last 12 months,” he noted, contrasting it with the 237,000 job losses for foreign-born workers. The data screams success for Trump’s base, but the broader economic ripple effects remain unclear.
Hundreds of thousands of foreign-born workers are exiting the labor market monthly, a trend stretching back four months. This exodus has freed up jobs for native-born workers, particularly in entry-level sectors. Still, industries reliant on migrant labor may soon feel the pinch.
The focus on native-born workers aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize American citizens. It’s a bold move that resonates with his supporters, who see it as reclaiming economic ground. Critics, however, warn of potential labor shortages in key sectors.
Under Biden, migrants gained over 4.7 million jobs, a lopsided figure that fueled perceptions of an economy tilted against native-born workers. Trump’s policies have flipped this script, channeling growth to Americans first. The question is whether this zero-sum approach can sustain long-term prosperity.
July 2025’s job report reflects a broader strategy to empower America’s working class. Native-born workers, long overlooked, are finally seeing opportunities expand. But the sharp decline in foreign-born employment raises questions about economic balance.
Antoni’s analysis underscores the scale of this shift: “Annual growth [for native-born workers] is 2.2 million faster than among foreign-born workers.” His enthusiasm is palpable, but the data also hints at potential disruptions for industries like agriculture and construction. A balanced economy needs both stability and fairness.
The surge in native-born employment is a win for Trump’s economic vision, but it’s not without risks. Foreign-born workers, many of whom filled critical roles, are leaving the labor force in droves. This could strain sectors unprepared for the sudden shift.
Entry-level jobs are now more accessible to America’s working and lower-middle classes, a clear policy victory. Yet, the rapid decline in foreign-born employment—down 1.5 million since April—demands a deeper look at unintended consequences. Economic growth thrives on inclusion, not exclusion.
Trump’s economy is charting a new course, prioritizing native-born workers while navigating a complex global labor market. The July 2025 jobs report is a testament to his administration’s focus, but sustainability remains the key challenge. For now, American workers are reaping the benefits, even as questions linger about the path ahead.
