How to justify a career gap of 6+ months to the next employer?

Layoff! Otherwise it doesn’t matter whatever you say to the recruiter; she gonna low ball you.

In this economy?

Speak the truth.

"This is one of the most challenging times post Covid. Some people have been fortunate to work at a place for more than 3-5yr and get a continuity and stability. You are not one of that and have been forced to take up the first opportunity due to your financial commitments. It did not work out as you had thought and the company downsized soon after. In hindsight, you would have not joined and waited for a better role, which is what you are doing right now"