The Department of Labor’s May Jobless Claims report revealed the highest level of jobless claims since August 2023. This news has triggered a broad spectrum of reactions and discussions across different demographic groups and political affiliations. MIG Reports analysis of the conversations highlight varying levels of confidence in political leadership. There is a pronounced contrast between supporter for President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Demographic Patterns

Younger demographics, especially those active on platforms like X (Twitter), tend to respond with a mix of concern and criticism toward Biden’s economic policies. Older demographics and those in traditional industries or unionized sectors also express significant concern over job security and the impacts of regulatory changes. Across multiple demographics, there is a direct interest in the government policies affecting job stability.

Discussion Trends and Patterns

Critics of the Biden administration argue that policy failures and mismanagement are to blame for the rise in jobless claims. For example, a conversation involving Senator Joe Manchin and Acting Secretary Julie Su about the NLRB’s joint employer rule illustrates concerns that current labor policies might be contributing to job losses.

Senator Manchin's questioning of Secretary Su, and her inability to provide data on job losses, has fueled further criticism and speculation about the administration's transparency and competency in handling labor issues.

On the other hand, Biden supporters argue external factors such as global economic slowdowns or ongoing adjustments from COVID are to blame. They downplay policy missteps and initiatives as a cause. However, these voices are less prominent in the conversation, suggesting either a quieter support base or a shift in public confidence. Many voters indicate a deep mistrust in the current administration, linking job losses to broader accusations of deception and mismanagement.

Confidence in Biden vs. Trump

Confidence levels in President Biden appear to be waning among many voter groups, especially in conjunction with the jobless claims report. Online discussions suggest a longing for the economic policies under former President Trump. Many seem to view the Trump era as more favorable to job creation and economic stability.

The comparison between Biden and Trump in handling the economy is a recurring theme. Many Americans are expressing nostalgia for the "pre-Biden" economic conditions.

Online conversations around Boeing, its CEO, two dead whistleblowers, and the brand image of Boeing are highly negative and critical. This negativity stems from multiple issues the company has been facing, including alleged manufacturing defects on the 737 MAX, the death of two whistleblowers under mysterious circumstances, and overall concerns about the company's focus on profits over safety.

• Public sentiment toward Boeing seems to be dropping significantly, falling from around 50% just over a week ago to 39% today.
• Sentiment seems to decline with increased conversation about airline safety and Boeing aircraft.

Suspicious Whistleblower Deaths

Whistleblower Joshua Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, made allegations about willful ignorance of manufacturing defects on the 737 MAX. Several weeks after another whistleblower John Barnett’s suspicious death, Dean was also reported dead, sparking outrage and suspicion.

Many Americans surmise Boeing is involved in both Barnett and Dean’s deaths. Some even accuse the company of behaving like a mob and having their "own hitmen lined up." There is a growing belief in the potential for corporate cover-ups and conspiracy theories.

People frequently discuss whether Boeing has hired professional assassins to eliminate whistleblowers, although these claims appear to be speculative and lack direct evidence.

Increased Fear of Flying

Safety has been the most prevalent issue in discussions about Boeing. Many planes, particularly the 737 Max, have been cited for various safety issues, including two fatal accidents in recent years. Stories of malfunctions leading to crashes, losses, and passenger danger are on the rise.

Ongoing safety issues have led some people to voice concerns about boarding Boeing planes and the company's commitment to safety. Some voters have even suggested the company be nationalized to ensure better safety standards.

The number of Americans who say they feel concerned about the safety of Boeing's planes seems to be increasing. Some say they would not want to fly with Boeing due to their perceived negligence and focus on profits over safety. There are also voices advising others not to work for Boeing.

Many people also call for Boeing to be held accountable for its safety issues. They demand transparency from the company and express the need for regulatory bodies like the FAA to step in and ensure safety standards are upheld.

Critiques of Boeing’s Business Practices

There is also criticism of Boeing's relationship with its employees and suppliers, and general corporate practices. One commenter mentions a cage full of defective parts in a non-union shop in South Carolina, implying the company is cutting corners on quality and safety.

The search for a new Boeing CEO after Dave Calhoun stepped down is also met with sarcasm. Some are saying the right choice should, "Restore faith that the company cares whether your plane falls out of the sky."

Furthermore, there is talk suggesting Boeing's safety issues may be a result of its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Some people believe, along with general negligence in quality control, Boeing is prioritizing identity politics over passenger safety.

There are also conversations about Boeing's financial performance, with Americans discussing its stock price and financial results. Some express concern about the company's future, fearing the implications of air travel becoming increasingly unsafe.

Overall, conversations around Boeing and its brand value are highly critical and negative. Most people express distrust and dissatisfaction with the company's practices and leadership. This seems to be harming Boeing's brand image and customer trust going forward.

MIG Reports analysis clearly shows a potential TikTok ban in the United States is opposed by most voters. This majority views a ban as an infringement on their freedom of speech, a fundamental right in the United States.

Many voters express concern over government overreach and censorship. They argue their voices are being silenced and their ability to express themselves freely is being limited. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger Americans, who are more likely to use TikTok and other social media platforms as a form of expression and communication.

Many view the potential ban as an assault on their First Amendment rights, arguing the government is trying to control or limit platforms it has no right to restrict. They express concern about the suppression of voices, elimination of income streams, and potentially silencing certain opinions. They say without platforms like TikTok, an array of voices may not be heard.

Freedom of Speech Arguments

The concept of freedom of speech appears to be particularly important to younger Americans. They view TikTok as a platform for self-expression and community building. These users often refer to the app as a space that allows uncensored speech and promotes diversity. They fear a ban would be unnecessary and counterproductive.

There is a small contingent, mostly older voters, who support the ban. They frequently cite national security concerns. This group argues the Chinese-owned app is a risk to the United States and its citizens. Some also say big tech companies being regulated by the government is not a free speech issue. However, this sentiment is less prevalent and is mainly found among older Americans.

Arguments also spark debates about freedom of speech versus hate speech. Some say freedom of speech should not be used as a cover to promote hate or discrimination. This sentiment is seen across various age groups and political affiliations.

Gen Z and Other Digital Natives

Among younger demographics, regardless of political affiliation, opinions are largely negative towards the ban. Younger Americans view TikTok as a source of entertainment, self-expression, and even income.

This group often blames both the Trump and Biden administrations for the proposed ban, often using humor and sarcasm in their comments. They also express concern over the government's control over social media platforms.

Other Discussions About TikTok

General sentiment toward the idea of banning TikTok in the United States appears to be divided along political and generational lines. Beyond free speech and government censorship, people are discussing security, social issues, and the modern community.

National Security

Some conservative or older voters insist a ban is necessary due to concerns over national security and data privacy. They argue TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, share sensitive user data with the Chinese government.

Anti-Woke Sentiment

A significant number of voters express anti-woke sentiments, a term often used to criticize perceived political correctness or progressive social ideologies. These users voice disdain for what they perceive as liberal or “left: bias on social media platforms, including TikTok.

Anti-Racism

More liberal or progressive voters say they use TikTok as a platform to promote anti-racist sentiments and ideas. They argue banning TikTok would suppress these important conversations and movements.

Entertainment and Community

For many younger users, TikTok is primarily a source of entertainment and community. These Americans often express frustration at the potential ban, viewing it as an unnecessary restriction on their leisure activities and social interactions.

American tech positions have been seeing continual decrease in job security going back to January 2023 when sizeable layoffs began. According to Boundless research, more than 300,000 tech workers have lost their job, despite an increase in H1-B visas for tech positions increasing year-over-year and a dropping denial rate under the Biden administration.

Views of the Tech Labor Market Among Demographic Groups

Political affiliation appears to play a significant role in how people perceive and discuss tech layoffs. Some Americans, particularly those who lean Republican, criticize President Joe Biden's administration for perceived failures related to job numbers and immigration. They argue the job numbers do not add up and suggest the administration's immigration policies are a contributing factor.

Others, who align more with the Democratic party, dispute these claims. They argue that immigration has not negatively impacted the economy and job numbers.

Age also seems to play a role in the discussions, with younger users expressing more pessimism about the job market. These voters often share personal experiences of struggling to find employment despite numerous applications. They argue the positive job reports do not reflect the reality on the ground, suggesting a disconnect between the official data and actual experience of job seekers.

Economic class is another significant factor in the conversation. Voters from lower economic classes express frustration and distress about financial struggles despite positive job reports. This suggests a dissatisfaction with the current economic situation. They criticize officials like Janet Yellen for allegedly being out of touch with the economic realities facing ordinary Americans.

What Influences Sentiment on Jobs

Sentiment regarding tech and other sector layoffs can increase or decrease due to various factors. Negative news about the tech industry, such as reports of mass layoffs or declining profits, can increase negative sentiment. Conversely, positive news, such as reports of job growth or increasing profits, can decrease negative sentiment and increase positive sentiment.

Sentiment towards tech layoffs seems to become more negative when people feel reported job numbers do not reflect their personal experiences or when they perceive government officials as being out of touch with the reality of job seekers. Conversely, sentiment appears more positive when job growth is reported, particularly when it points to continued economic strength. However, skepticism remains among some who question the accuracy of these reports.

Boeing’s PR disaster in recent months over recurring safety complications is not letting up. American voters are feeling overwhelmingly negative about the jet company – expressing fear and criticism. There is a strong sense of frustration and disappointment with the company's handling of the safety issues. One particular issue people bring up is the incident involving the door panel of a Boeing 737 Max plane blowing out mid-flight.

• Boeing sentiment has been hovering in the mid 40% range while online discussion continues to grow more negative.

Safety Concerns for American Travelers

There is a clear concern about how safe Boeing planes are for passengers, particularly the 737 Max. People recurringly mention a near-collision incident involving a Boeing 737 Max and a Boeing 777, which, among other events, is fueling safety concerns. Some Americans question the safety of Boeing aircraft and often express nervousness about traveling in them.

Following the death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, more people are discussing their view of a decline in Boeing's quality and the impact of rushing projects. People are relating the problems to poor management and the company's focus on profits over audits and worker wellbeing, and a growing sense of incompetence in modern society.

The disapproval of safety standards at Boeing are not generally partisan, however right leaning Americans are more likely to bring up DEI, criticizing its woke impact on Boeing's operations. They suggest that DEI is partially responsible for the company's difficulties and call for its removal.

Reactions to Boeing CEO’s Resignation

The public seems to believe Boeing's priorities are more focused on production than on safety and quality. Some even go so far as to suggest that all Boeing aircraft should be melted down and started over.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun’s resignation is seen by many as a positive step. But there is also skepticism about whether this will lead to any real changes in the company's approach to safety.

American appear to have a generally negative view of Dave Calhoun and his leadership at the company. They also criticize the executive and management levels of leadership broadly.

There is some public relief at the news of Calhoun's resignation, and some suggest the entire company needs a complete overhaul or "start over." Public views on the company’s brand value indicates widespread dissatisfaction with Boeing's current image.

While some see Calhoun’s resignation as an appropriate response to the company's troubles, others question the timing and express cynicism about the executives' motives.

There is also criticism of large exit packages for departing executives, especially in the light of perceived gross negligence in handling safety issues. Some express concerns about the future of Boeing as a leader in the industry given the ongoing crises.

General Criticism of the Company

There are calls for more accountability and transparency from Boeing, with some suggesting that more information should be released about safety incidents and negligence allegations. Some even raise questions about potential criminal charges or ethical investigations related to safety issues and suspicion around John Barnett’s death.

Overall, public sentiment indicates a lack of trust or confidence in Boeing and its leadership, as well as increasing fear of boarding a Boeing jet. The way the company handles this crisis and its commitment to safety and quality moving forward will likely influence public perception and trust in the company.