The number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits for at least one week climbed to its highest point since November 2021, according to a Washington Post report on Labor Department figures released Thursday.

Those filing a “continued claim” for unemployment insurance rose to 1.97 million by late July, up from 1.85 million in early January. New unemployment filings remain modest, increasing by just 7,000 last week, according to the department.

Earlier this month, Trump abruptly removed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer just hours after the agency reported that the U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs in July and revised downward job totals for May and June by approximately 258,000 — a sharp disappointment to economists and investors alike.

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In a Truth Social post, Trump decried the figures as “rigged” and disparaged McEntarfer as a “Biden Political Appointee,” demanding “accurate Jobs Numbers.”

Hours later, she was formally dismissed, and Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski was named acting commissioner.

Meanwhile, the Thursday Labor Department figures generated a strong reaction on social media.

Conservative commentator Sarah Longwell wrote on the social platform X: “No problem. Just fire the Labor Department data people.”

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“And ironically whoever compiled that data runs the risk of being added to the total,” wrote a user reacting to the report.

Former Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Mark Brewer wrote: “Thanks, Trump: U.S. unemployment claims rise to pandemic high.”

“Making America Beg Again! 2 million Americans on unemployment, highest since pandemic era,” wrote another user.