President Obama calls for higher minimum wage following disappointing job report

Following the weakest job report in seven months, President Obama spoke to the press Friday about the economy and publicly called for Congress to raise the minimum wage.

"To reward some of the hardest working people in America, Congress should raise the minimum wage," Obama said, pointing out that by raising paychecks, people would also spend more and boost business.

Obama further asked Congress to "pass smart new trade agreements" to crack down on foreign competition as well as reform the tax code by closing wasteful loopholes. In addition for his call for action, Obama also explained the positives to the job report, which you can watch below. Jeva Lange

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up