“Affordability Is Overrated”: Kudlow Clip Sparks Outrage After Jobs Report Drops
The delayed September jobs report shows the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs last month, according to newly released Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The numbers, originally postponed due to the federal government shutdown, also show the unemployment rate rising to 4.4%, the highest level in roughly four years.
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Economists had widely expected job growth to come in lower — closer to 50,000 — making the 119,000 figure a modest upside surprise. However, the rise in unemployment points to continued cooling in the labor market heading into winter.
Kudlow Comment on Affordability Draws Rapid Response Online
Shortly after the report’s release, a Fox Business segment featuring host Larry Kudlow gained traction on social media. In the clip circulating on X, Kudlow is heard saying “I think affordability is greatly overrated.”
The remark prompted immediate criticism from viewers who argued that affordability remains one of the top concerns for households dealing with higher food, housing, and utility costs.
Tariff Rollbacks Announced as Administration Pushes Price Relief
The jobs numbers were released the same week the Trump administration rolled back tariffs on a range of consumer goods, including coffee, bananas, beef, and other food imports, in a move officials say is intended to ease grocery prices.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in a Fox Business appearance this morning, praised the decision and said the administration is focused on lowering prices ahead of the holiday season. Economists note that while tariff changes can influence food prices, the effects typically take time to reach consumers.
What Comes Next
The combination of a cooling labor market, rising unemployment, and new price-relief measures sets the stage for a closely watched economic period heading into the end of the year. Analysts say November and December data will help determine whether the recent slowdown is temporary or the beginning of a broader weakening trend.