CBS News
Harris claims Trump lost manufacturing jobs. Is that true? Here’s a fact check.
In the final weeks before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris has repeatedly taken aim at former President Donald Trump’s record on manufacturing jobs.
Specifically, Harris says that during the Trump administration, the U.S. lost almost 200,000 manufacturing jobs — and that almost 800,000 “new” manufacturing jobs have been added since President Biden took office.
Federal data shows Harris often cites largely accurate figures, though she has occasionally overstated gains made during the Biden administration. Additionally, her claims omit context about the significant role of the pandemic on both manufacturing job losses under Trump and subsequent increases under Mr. Biden.
What data says about manufacturing under Trump
At a rally in Michigan in early October, Harris said, “America lost nearly 200,000 manufacturing jobs” when Trump was president. Harris also claimed “those losses started before the pandemic.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, Harris’ tally is largely correct; by the time Trump left office in January 2021, the U.S. had 178,000 fewer manufacturing jobs than when his presidency began.
A spokesperson for the Harris campaign said the pre-pandemic losses referred to the decline of 48,000 manufacturing jobs from January 2019 and February 2020, which is reflected in BLS data.
However, the vice president’s statements leave out some key context about Trump’s record. By March 2020, the U.S. had seen a net gain of over 350,000 manufacturing job gains during Trump’s term in office.
As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down parts of the economy in 2020, the U.S. shed 1.3 million manufacturing jobs between March and April of that year. The numbers began to trend upwards again in the months that followed but did not return to pre-pandemic levels by the time Trump left office in January 2021.
CBS News reached out to the Trump campaign for comment, and a spokesman pointed to Trump’s record on manufacturing jobs prior to the pandemic.
Before the pandemic hit, the number of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. had largely been growing since 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By the time former President Obama left office in 2017, the sector had mostly rebounded from the Great Recession, though there were 195,000 fewer manufacturing jobs than at the start of his presidency.
What data says about manufacturing under Biden-Harris
Manufacturing job numbers continued to rebound from pandemic losses after Biden and Harris took office; however, sometimes Harris overstates their record.
In a recent interview on “The View,” Harris claimed credit for “creating almost 800,000 new jobs around manufacturing.” At a separate event in October, she said 730,000 new manufacturing jobs were created.
Preliminary September data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that since Mr. Biden took office in January 2021, the U.S added around 729,000 manufacturing jobs.
The data suggests that not all of these were “new” manufacturing jobs that were created since Mr. Biden took office, as some of the job gains were likely jobs returning after the economic fallout of the COVID era. There were roughly 137,000 additional manufacturing jobs in September 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels in February 2020.
The increase in the number of manufacturing jobs mainly occurred during the first two years of the Biden presidency and began to level off by his third year — a similar arc to Trump’s first three years in office.
It’s also worth noting that on Aug. 21, the Labor Department issued a preliminary revision of its data that estimated that the number of manufacturing jobs created over the 12 months ending in March was likely 115,000 lower than the original estimate. The final calculation should be issued in early 2025. If that revision holds up, it would put the total number of manufacturing jobs added during the Biden-Harris administration closer to 614,000.
Experts told CBS News the downward revision suggests the economy wasn’t quite as strong as it appeared to be for much of 2023 and early 2024. But revisions to jobs data aren’t unusual. The Labor Department routinely issues annual benchmark revisions to try to better account for companies that are either being created or going out of business.
Manufacturing generally declined over last 40 years
The number of U.S. manufacturing jobs have fallen sharply since reaching a peak of 19.6 million jobs in 1979, and today just under 13 million people are employed in the industry, according to data from the BLS.
During this period, manufacturing jobs declined under both Democratic and Republican presidents alike, as the industrial sector contracted due to economic factors largely beyond a president’s control, including multiple recessions and a rise in automation and international trade. The U.S. economy underwent massive structural changes starting in the 1970s, largely due to globalization. And Democratic and Republic and Republican administrations alike generally gave companies freedom to ship jobs overseas.
Some research suggests almost 1 million manufacturing jobs were lost to China from 1999 to 2011, after the U.S. normalized trade relations with the country.
-Julia Ingram contributed reporting
contributed to this report.
CBS News
How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more
The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears today. The Vikings are currently 8-2, an impressive run so far this season, and will be looking to add a fourth win to their current streak after last Sunday’s 23-13 win against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears, on the other hand, are entering this game on the heels of a four-game losing streak after a tough 20-19 loss against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Vikings vs. Bears game today, whether or not you have cable.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings vs. Bears game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Fubo offers you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and all plans allow streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
CBS News
How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL game today: Livestream options, more
The Detroit Lions will face off against the Indianapolis Colts today. The Lions enter this game as top contenders with a near-perfect record of 9-1 so far this season. The Colts, who are 5-6 this season, could have a tough game on their hands against the Lions but will be looking to rack up another win after prevailing over the New York Jets in a tight game last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Colts vs. Lions game today, whether or not you have cable.
Here’s how and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Lions vs. Colts game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Experience NFL action like never before with Fubo’s comprehensive sports streaming platform. From Sunday showdowns to primetime matchups, catch every NFL game across major networks including CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Choose the Pro package to unlock 200+ channels and limitless DVR storage, or elevate your game-day experience with the Elite with Sports Plus package, featuring NFL RedZone’s commercial-free scoring highlights and stunning 4K quality.
Test drive the service with a no-commitment seven-day free trial, and share the excitement with family and friends — Fubo supports simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices, so everyone can watch their favorite teams.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games, and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
CBS News
How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
The New England Patriots will face off against the Miami Dolphins in a game today at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Patriots have had an uneven season so far, coming into the game with a record of 3-8, including a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on November 17. The Dolphins, however, haven’t fared much better this season as they enter the game with a record of 4-6, although they are coming off two wins in a row, the latest against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today, even without cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today
The New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The football game will be shown on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and the platforms noted below.
How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too for the Patriots-Dolphins game. Just understand that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game for free
Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.