Chicago – July 11, 2026
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has come under renewed scrutiny after being appointed to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s newly formed Productivity and Jobs Task Force, just days after announcing significant layoffs across Microsoft’s gaming division. The restructuring is expected to eliminate around 3,200 positions, drawing criticism from employees and industry observers.
The controversy has intensified amid reports that Microsoft has also secured approval for thousands of H-1B visas this year. Critics argue the timing has fueled concerns over corporate hiring practices and the impact on domestic employment, while some lawmakers have called for closer examination of the visa program. Microsoft has responded by stating that workforce reductions were driven by business needs and that H-1B employees were also affected by the layoffs.
Despite the backlash, the Federal Reserve said Sharma’s task force will help assess how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, could shape productivity, employment, and future economic policy.
