January Jobs Report Smashes Expectations, Proving Economic Strength Under Trump

GOP Leadership Touts Private Sector Gains, Falling Prices, and Surging Investment

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The January jobs report showed the economy gained 130,000 jobs, more than doubling economists' expectations. Job growth was driven by the private sector, with gains in manufacturing, construction, retail, and leisure and hospitality. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, beating expectations, with unemployment declining among Black and Hispanic workers. Prices for everyday staples like eggs, bread, and gas have also fallen significantly.

Why it matters

The strong jobs report and falling prices are seen as further proof that the Republican-led economic policies under President Trump are delivering real results for American workers and families. This comes after years of record inflation under the previous administration.

The details

The January jobs report showed the economy gained 130,000 jobs, more than doubling economists' expectations of 55,000. Job growth was driven entirely by the private sector, with gains in manufacturing, construction, retail, and leisure and hospitality. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, beating expectations, with unemployment declining among Black and Hispanic workers. Prices for everyday items like eggs, bread, cheese, chicken, and gas have all decreased significantly in recent months.

  • The January jobs report was released on February 17, 2026.
  • Prices for everyday staples have been falling over the past year.

The players

Evan Power

Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

President Trump

The former president whose pro-growth, America First economic policies are credited with driving the strong economic performance.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump promised to rebuild the American economy — and the numbers prove he is delivering. More jobs, rising wages, falling unemployment, lower prices, and renewed American strength — that's what leadership looks like.”

— Evan Power, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida (yournews.com)

The takeaway

The strong January jobs report and falling prices for everyday goods demonstrate the success of the Republican-led economic policies under President Trump. This is seen as further proof that the GOP's pro-growth, America First agenda is delivering real results for American workers and families.