US economy only added 22,000 in August, economists were expecting above 70,000.

Multiple independent and reliable sources confirm that the US labor market showed a marked slowdown in August 2025. CNN Business explicitly reports that the US economy added just 22,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate rising to its highest level in nearly four years. This figure is notably below the consensus economist forecasts, which expected job growth above 70,000 for the month. The Conference Board's economic forecast and analysis from The American Prospect provide context on the broader labor market weakness and subdued hiring trends throughout the year, reinforcing that August's low job additions are part of a continuing pattern of stagnation. Additional sources such as Newsweek discuss recession risks tied to this economic slowdown, while Trading Economics provides GDP growth data that contextualizes overall economic performance but does not contradict the employment figures. The Quartz article highlights political and economic uncertainties impacting the economy but does not dispute the reported job growth numbers.conference-board.orgconference-board.orgEconomic Forecast for the US Economycnn.comcnn.comJob growth stalls: US economy added just 22,000 jobs in August, unemployment at...+4 more

In summary, the claim that only 22,000 jobs were added in August 2025 and that economists expected more than 70,000 is well-supported by current data from multiple reputable sources.