CLAIM: Is The Unemployment Rate in the USA really 42%?

A claim has been made that the unemployment rate in America, which as it stands is apparently "5%", may actually higher than that and VERY MUCH higher! It has been discussed that the "5%" figure may or may not be true and there has been controversy surrounding this topic as to what the unemployment rate actually is.

In February 2016, Republican front runner Donald Trump claimed that the unemployment rate "may be 42%" as he discussed that some states in the US were seeing an unemployment rate of "23%" - this is shocking! Could this be a reason why so many people are voting for Donald Trump and being currently in the lead in the republican side of the presidential race? One of his mantra's is to bring jobs back to America, could this statistic therefore be true? If the real unemployment rate is "5%" then does America really need more jobs.

We calculated the statistics of "42%" based upon a population of 300 million (the current population being 325 million) so that it would presumably disregard most of the children/students and the retired. 42% of 300 million is in fact 126 million - this figure is truly shocking if the allegations towards the unemployment rate are true.

People have researched since this allegation was made and still it was found that the unemployment rate as it stands is "5%" - but can you imagine if it is actually "42%"?

We would love to know what your thoughts are on this issue? Do you think the allegations are true? Or is it just simply an allegation?

Unemployment Rate Trend since 2009 in the USA. 

photo from: http://money.cnn.com/