Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Talks Jobs Data

Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Bloomberg News Anchor
Guest: U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Additional Guest: Economic Analyst D. Riemer

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a timely discussion with U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer about the latest U.S. jobs data. The conversation breaks down key labor market trends, the effect of Federal Reserve rate policy, inflation pressures, government versus private sector job growth, proposed rebate checks from tariffs, and anticipated changes to the tax code. The conversation is frank, focused, and packed with practical insight into the challenges and opportunities the labor market faces as of late 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jobs Report & Economic Strength

[00:27–01:56]

• Strong September Jobs Data:

  • The September jobs report exceeded expectations: 119,000 new jobs, more than double the expected figure.
  • Most job growth (97,000 of 119,000) was in the private sector; blue-collar wages are up and consumer confidence is strengthening.

• Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s Summary:

  • “119,000 new jobs. I think that is a solid report for the American people and for the workforce.” (00:57)
  • She credits the gains to administration investments and cites rising real wages, especially for blue-collar workers.

2. Federal Reserve Rate Cuts & Policy

[01:56–03:10]

• Push for Further Rate Cuts:

  • Secretary Chavez-DeRemer calls for another Fed cut, echoing business owners’ desire for lower borrowing costs to fuel private-sector growth.
  • Contrasts current private-sector job growth with previous government-led job increases.
  • Cites “GDP is up 4.2%” (02:18).

• Key Quote:

  • “Those business owners are wanting to borrow more money at a cheaper rate to invest in their workforce. … Another rate cut is exactly what we need to really grow this workforce.” (02:18)

3. Inflation, Affordability, and Worker Impact

[03:10–04:39]

• Addressing Inflation Concerns:

  • Inflation is acknowledged, especially its impact on lower-income Americans.
  • Cites tax policy as a tool for increasing after-tax incomes:
    • “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security.”
    • Claims real wages are up $700 per family—contrasting with a $3,000 decrease under the previous administration.

• Key Quote:

  • “These policies … are going to start to hit—no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security. … People want to see more of their hard-earned dollar in their own pockets.” (03:28)

• Continued Inflation Risks:

  • When pressed about persistent 3%+ inflation, Chavez-DeRemer asserts that prices on key goods (food, energy) are falling, with Thanksgiving meals allegedly cheaper than during the Biden era.

4. Private Sector vs. Government Jobs

[05:13–06:17]

• Clarification on Government Jobs Growth:

  • Secretary Chavez-DeRemer clarifies that recent government job growth is confined to state and local levels, not at the federal level.
  • Reinforces administration’s focus on private-sector job creation as a response to the prior administration’s emphasis on federal hiring.

• Key Quote:

  • “The government jobs haven't grown. The only portion … has been at the state and local level, not at the federal level. … Out of these 119,000 jobs, 97,000 … were in the private sector.” (05:39)

5. Tariff Rebates & Support for Lower-Income Households

[06:17–07:24]

• On Proposed $2,000 Tariff Rebate Checks:

  • Secretary Chavez-DeRemer supports the idea, calling it a way to “give back to the American people” and emphasizing President Trump's reputation as a “president for the working family.”

• Key Quote:

  • “These dollars … are coming in from tariffs to give back to the American people. … He is the president for the men and women of this country.” (06:38)

6. Upcoming Tax Code Clarifications

[07:24–07:43]

• Tax Exemptions & Timeline:

  • While specifics are lacking, Chavez-DeRemer expects updates on overtime tax exemptions and tax code changes to start rolling out in the first and second quarters.

• Key Quote:

  • “Any specifics I don't have on an actual release date. But again, 119,000 jobs I think is a solid report.” (07:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the progress in wages:
  • “We've seen again, these real wages go up almost $700. And I think that's going to be key, way different than the Biden administration, you know, when wages were down almost $3,000.” — Laurie Chavez-DeRemer, (03:28)
• Reaffirming administration focus:
  • “Every decision I make at the Department of Labor is through the lens of the men and women who have built this country and they deserve to be taken care of.” — Laurie Chavez-DeRemer, (06:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Strong Jobs Growth & Economic Overview: 00:27–01:56
• Debate on Fed Rate Cuts & Policy: 01:56–03:10
• Inflation, Affordability, Worker Impact: 03:10–04:39
• Private Sector vs. Government Jobs Breakdown: 05:13–06:17
• Tariff Rebate Checks Discussion: 06:17–07:24
• Upcoming Tax Policy Clarification: 07:24–07:43

Conclusion

This episode delivers a robust breakdown of the latest jobs data and its wider implications for the U.S. workforce, monetary policy, and working families. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer voices strong support for further Fed rate cuts, emphasizes private-sector job growth, champions policy changes to increase take-home pay, and signals administrative readiness to deliver direct relief via tax and tariff rebates. The conversation is driven by a focus on practical benefits for workers and positioning the administration as responsive to the everyday American labor force.