A new preliminary estimate shows the United States added 911,000 fewer jobs than initially reported in the year through March. This record-breaking revision underscores potential weaknesses in the economy and amplifies the debate over whether the Federal Reserve should move to lower interest rates sooner rather than later.

Employers likely added around 80,000 new positions last month, signaling a slowdown in the labor market. The report follows a previously disappointing release that led President Donald Trump to dismiss the chief economist in charge and nominate a loyalist to fill the role.