The Biden years left a mess. Wide open borders. Millions pouring into our country with no vetting, no jobs, and no intention of following our laws. But now, with President Trump back in charge, we’re finally seeing law and order return — and that includes getting illegal aliens out of our workforce.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it plain and simple this week: job growth is slowing a bit, but it’s for the right reasons. Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Bessent explained that nearly two million illegal aliens have left the country since Trump took office again. About 1.6 million self-deported — meaning they packed up and left on their own — and another 400,000 have been deported by ICE. And that number is expected to rise to 600,000 by year’s end.
Now, let’s call this what it is: a return to sovereignty. These people were in our country illegally. They were taking jobs and using resources that were never meant for them. Under Biden, the borders were wide open and the federal government was handing out benefits like candy. But that’s over. We’re getting serious again.
So yes, job growth has slowed a bit. That’s because we’re cleaning house. Two million people suddenly gone from the labor supply will have an effect. But here’s the good news — Americans are getting those jobs. Bessent made it clear that when it comes to American citizens having work, things are going well. The jobs are still there, but now they’re going to the people who are supposed to be here.
Another key reason for the slowdown in new job numbers is the downsizing of the bloated federal government. Bessent didn’t mince words. The federal workforce had gotten too big, too fast — especially under the last administration. All those extra government jobs didn’t produce much, except red tape and wasted tax dollars. Now we’re seeing a correction. Government employment is shrinking, and that’s a good thing.
What comes next, according to Bessent, is a capital expenditure boom — companies investing in equipment, buildings, and jobs. When the government steps back, the private sector steps up. That’s how a free economy is supposed to work. And we’re right on the edge of that next phase. But first, we’ve got to finish draining the swamp — and that means right-sizing government.
There’s also a government shutdown happening right now, and Bessent didn’t shy away from who’s to blame. It’s the Democrats. They’re blocking efforts to reopen the government, even after House Speaker Mike Johnson passed a clean continuing resolution. Some Democrat senators have crossed the aisle, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune is still pushing for daily votes. The White House and Senate Democrats are dragging their feet.
Shutdowns aren’t ideal — no one wants them. But sometimes they’re necessary to force change. Bessent warned that the shutdown could cost the economy up to $15 billion a day. That’s serious. But the solution is simple: the Democrats need to stop playing games and negotiate. The GOP is ready to reopen the government and get moving.
From a veteran’s point of view, this all comes down to discipline and leadership. You don’t let your base fall apart just because someone’s feelings get hurt. You hold the line, clean up the mess, and rebuild stronger. That’s what this administration is doing — at the border, in the workforce, and in Washington.
Some folks might see slower job growth and think it’s a bad sign. But not us. We know what’s really happening. We’re trading short-term stats for long-term strength. We’re taking our country back, one step at a time. And we’re just getting started.
