The latest jobs report finds that the economy added almost five million jobs in June, as the economy continued to show signs of recovery.
But the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden says the economy will be “at risk” as long as the coronavirus is not contained.
“Until this president faces what’s going on in this country, the economy will remain at risk,” Biden said during a live-stream from his home in Delaware.
Biden continued to praise the new jobs report but blast President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, “Today’s report is positive news, and I’m thankful for it. But make no mistake: we’re still in a deep, deep job hole because Donald Trump has so badly bungled the response to the coronavirus.”
Watch his comments below:
Tune in as I address the nation on the economic crisis and the latest jobs report: https://t.co/SKrDmWptL4
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 2, 2020
The latest jobs report found that unemployment dropped to 11.1% in June as the economy added 4.8 million jobs — exceeding an expected three million jobs.
After the jobs report was released, Trump delivered remarks at the White House to tout the new numbers, “Today’s announcement proves that our economy is roaring back, it’s coming back extremely strong.”
But Biden said the unemployment rate may be misleading as the Labor Department tracked unemployment through June 12, before more than 20 states paused their reopening plans as coronavirus cases began to rise around the country.
“In the days since, we’ve seen cases spiking. Some businesses have to close down again, some states reimposing restrictions,” Biden said. “And, in the last two weeks, we’ve seen almost 3 million new unemployment filings, and another 1.7 million people seek special pandemic unemployment insurance.”
“There’s no victory to be celebrated when we’re still down nearly 15 million jobs, and the pandemic is getting worse, not better,” he added.
Additionally, Biden continued to claim that Trump had “bungled” the coronavirus response and said Trump had “surrendered” to the outbreak.
“Donald Trump’s just given up. He’s not even trying to secure our public health anymore. He’d rather get back to his campaign rallies. He’s decided he has more to gain by dividing this country,” he said.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin defended the administration’s push for states to reopen, “There is a safe way to reopen the economy, and we’re going to do it carefully.”
When asked if the administration regretted the push now as cases are on the rise, Mnuchin said, “No, absolutely not. I think we’ve had a very careful plan working with the states — this is primarily the states’ responsibility — but working with the states.”
Finally, Biden said, “Quit hoping for the best, Mr. President. Quit claiming victory with nearly 15 million Americans still out of work because of the crisis. Quit ignoring the reality of this pandemic and the horrifying loss of American life.”
“Act. Lead. Lead, or get out of the way so others can, Mr. President,” he added.
In a separate campaign event earlier this week, Biden said, “It seems like our war-time president has surrendered, waved the white flag and left the battlefield.”
And he warned, “We can’t continue like this, half recovery and half getting worse. We can’t continue half wearing masks and half rejecting science.”