In October 2025 U.S. employers announced 153,074 job cuts—the worst October in over 20 years—and more than 1.09 million layoffs year-to-date, up 65% over 2024; firms cited 31,039 layoffs explicitly due to AI. Technology, warehousing and retail are most exposed; UPS is cutting 48,000 positions (34,000 operational, 14,000 management) and Amazon eliminated about 14,000 corporate roles. Entry-level and junior roles have been eliminated fastest, hiring has slowed, and state and federal regulators are scrutinizing the pace of AI-driven displacement. The trend reflects corporate cost‐cutting that is accelerating automation, reshaping operations and threatening consumer demand and talent pipelines. In the near term the article expects further employer restructurings, continued contraction in entry‐level opportunities, and potential policy responses such as tax incentives, AI transparency mandates or limits on AI‐justified layoffs.