The Trump administration's streamlining of government programs has led to a surge in federal workers joining the job market, coinciding with rising uncertainty around President Trump's economic agenda and slowing hiring, especially for specialized and white-collar roles. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in federal workers searching for new jobs, with applications rising 50% in February alone.
A federal appeals court has allowed President Trump to remove the chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board and a member of the National Labor Relations Board, handing him a major win in his efforts to control independent federal agencies. This decision could significantly hinder the ability of both agencies to function effectively, as they are now lacking a quorum and cannot issue final decisions on cases before them.
iRobot, the maker of Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners, faces an uncertain future after its planned acquisition by Amazon fell through and its stock price plummeted. The company is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, as it works to turn things around with new product launches.
The US stock market closed higher on Tuesday, the first full day of Donald Trump's second presidency, as investors reacted positively to his executive orders on trade and other policies. However, analysts warn that the market may be volatile as investors react to Trump's policy decisions in the coming days and weeks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with global executives on Friday, seeking to bolster foreign investment amidst the escalating trade war with the US. Xi reassured investors about China's economic prospects and encouraged them to expand their investments, emphasizing the country's commitment to providing a favorable environment for foreign businesses.