Artificial intelligence has been cited in nearly 55,000 layoffs in the U.S. this year as overall job cuts climbed to 1.17 million, the highest since 2020, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Amazon, Microsoft, Salesforce, IBM, CrowdStrike and Workday pointed to AI as a driver of restructuring and efficiency pushes, even as some redeploy hiring toward higher-skilled roles. Executives say AI is reshaping operations and talent needs; skeptics argue companies are using AI as cover for pandemic-era overhiring and broader cost pressures, including inflation and tariffs. An MIT study estimates AI could already perform tasks representing 11.7% of U.S. jobs, potentially saving up to $1.2 trillion in wages.
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