Wages for blue-collar workers have soared during the first five months of President Donald Trump’s second term, marking the strongest wage growth in over six decades. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump’s “America First” economic policies have already delivered results unmatched by any administration since at least 1969.
Bessent, in a post on X, shared data showing 1.7% real wage growth for blue-collar workers — defined as nonsupervisory and production workers — since January. That outpaces every president in modern history, including President Trump’s own first term, where the same category of workers experienced a then-record 1.3% wage growth in the first five months.
“Thanks to @POTUS’s pro-growth, America First policies, real wages for hourly workers are up nearly 2% in the first five months of @realDonaldTrump’s second term — the strongest growth in 60 years,” Bessent wrote.
He added: “No president has done that before — except President Trump in his first term. Hardworking Americans and Main Street businesses have never had a stronger ally in the @WhiteHouse.”
Importantly, the wage gains are not being swallowed up by rising prices. Inflation has remained steady, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which showed a 2.4% increase in May, just slightly above April’s 2.3%. These figures came in below economists’ expectations, many of whom anticipated a sharper rise due to new tariff policies.
Reacting to the numbers, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“CPI JUST OUT. GREAT NUMBERS! FED SHOULD LOWER ONE FULL POINT. WOULD PAY MUCH LESS INTEREST ON DEBT COMING DUE. SO IMPORTANT!!!”
With the economy trending upward, the Trump administration is pushing for passage of its flagship economic legislation, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill”, aimed at further supercharging wage growth, lowering taxes, and expanding employment.
Thanks to @POTUS’s pro-growth, America First policies, real wages for hourly workers are up nearly 2% in the first five months of @realDonaldTrump’s second term — the strongest growth in 60 years.
No president has done that before — except President Trump in his first term.… pic.twitter.com/gasjQn33eb
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 17, 2025
Treasury Secretary Bessent testified before Congress that the bill would deliver substantial financial benefits to American families and workers:
- $7,800 to $13,300 increase in take-home pay for the average family of four
- $6,100 to $11,600 increase in wages for the average American worker
He also issued a dire warning about what would happen if the bill fails:
“It would be the largest tax hike in history. It would be a disaster for businesses, for working Americans, and for our status in the world.”
Bessent predicted thousands of dollars in higher taxes, shrinking business investment, and a substantial rise in unemployment if Congress does not act.
