The American economy lost 92,000 jobs in February 2026 and unemployment rose to 4.4 percent — results that surprised analysts who had expected a moderate gain of around 60,000 new positions.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the decline was driven by several factors: severe winter storms disrupting economic activity after an unusually warm January, labor strikes in the healthcare sector in California and Hawaii, and broader job cuts across key industries. The technology sector lost around 11,000 positions, the federal government cut 10,000 jobs, while only social assistance services added approximately 9,000 positions.

The 4.4 percent unemployment rate is the highest in several months. Economists also link the decline to increased global uncertainty and corporate caution about hiring amid high interest rates.

Opposition politicians quickly reacted, claiming the report disproves the economic stability narrative. Analysts warn that one negative month does not necessarily indicate a long-term trend, but that continued weakness could signal serious global economic deceleration.