Artificial intelligence was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs in April for a second straight month, responsible for 21,490 of 88,387 job cuts, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Overall cuts rose 38% from March, with technology companies leading reductions as some redirect spending from labor to AI projects. While firms increasingly blame AI, analysts note other pressures—from tariffs to geopolitics and company closures—also weigh on payrolls. BLS figures show rising layoffs in white-collar sectors vulnerable to automation, even as economists such as Ed Yardeni say AI could ultimately spur new roles.
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