Trump Nominates Conservative Economist EJ Antoni to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
Published 11 August 2025
Highlights
- President Donald Trump has nominated EJ Antoni, a conservative economist from the Heritage Foundation, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- The nomination follows the firing of Erika McEntarfer, the previous BLS commissioner, after a jobs report Trump claimed was "rigged."
- Antoni, a critic of the BLS, has questioned its data methodology and called for reforms to ensure accurate economic data.
- The US Senate, controlled by Republicans, must confirm Antoni's appointment to the independent agency.
- Trump's decision to replace McEntarfer has sparked concerns about the politicization of economic data.
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Rewritten Article
Trump Nominates Conservative Economist EJ Antoni to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of EJ Antoni, a conservative economist affiliated with the Heritage Foundation, to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This decision comes in the wake of Trump's controversial dismissal of Erika McEntarfer, the former BLS commissioner, following a jobs report that the president alleged was manipulated to undermine his administration.
Background and Nomination Details
EJ Antoni, who holds a PhD in economics, has been a vocal critic of the BLS, questioning its data collection and reporting methods. His nomination is seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to ensure that economic data reflects what he describes as a "booming" economy. "Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE," Trump stated on Truth Social.
The nomination requires confirmation by the US Senate, which is currently under Republican control. Antoni's appointment has been endorsed by influential Trump ally Steve Bannon, who has praised Antoni's commitment to reforming the BLS.
Controversy and Criticism
The firing of McEntarfer, who had served in government for over two decades and was appointed by President Biden in 2023, has drawn criticism from economists and statisticians. Many fear that the move could undermine the credibility of the BLS, an agency traditionally respected for its impartiality in reporting employment and inflation figures.
William Beach, who led the BLS during Trump's first term, expressed concern that the dismissal sets a "dangerous precedent" for the politicization of economic data. The BLS had recently revised employment data downward for two consecutive months, a routine adjustment that Trump claimed was politically motivated.
Implications for Economic Data Integrity
Antoni has previously expressed his belief that the BLS needs significant reforms to restore public trust in its reports. "There are better ways to collect, process, and disseminate data," Antoni posted on X, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate economic data.
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Scenario Analysis
The nomination of EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics could have significant implications for the integrity of US economic data. If confirmed, Antoni's leadership may result in methodological changes aimed at increasing transparency and accuracy. However, critics warn that such changes could also be perceived as politically motivated, potentially eroding trust in the agency's reports.
The Senate confirmation process will be closely watched, as it could signal the extent to which the Trump administration is willing to reshape independent agencies. Economists and policymakers will be monitoring how these developments affect the perception of US economic data both domestically and internationally.
As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for the politicization of data and its impact on policy-making will remain a critical area of concern for experts and stakeholders alike.
President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of EJ Antoni, a conservative economist affiliated with the Heritage Foundation, to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This decision comes in the wake of Trump's controversial dismissal of Erika McEntarfer, the former BLS commissioner, following a jobs report that the president alleged was manipulated to undermine his administration.
Background and Nomination Details
EJ Antoni, who holds a PhD in economics, has been a vocal critic of the BLS, questioning its data collection and reporting methods. His nomination is seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to ensure that economic data reflects what he describes as a "booming" economy. "Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE," Trump stated on Truth Social.
The nomination requires confirmation by the US Senate, which is currently under Republican control. Antoni's appointment has been endorsed by influential Trump ally Steve Bannon, who has praised Antoni's commitment to reforming the BLS.
Controversy and Criticism
The firing of McEntarfer, who had served in government for over two decades and was appointed by President Biden in 2023, has drawn criticism from economists and statisticians. Many fear that the move could undermine the credibility of the BLS, an agency traditionally respected for its impartiality in reporting employment and inflation figures.
William Beach, who led the BLS during Trump's first term, expressed concern that the dismissal sets a "dangerous precedent" for the politicization of economic data. The BLS had recently revised employment data downward for two consecutive months, a routine adjustment that Trump claimed was politically motivated.
Implications for Economic Data Integrity
Antoni has previously expressed his belief that the BLS needs significant reforms to restore public trust in its reports. "There are better ways to collect, process, and disseminate data," Antoni posted on X, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate economic data.
What this might mean
The nomination of EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics could have significant implications for the integrity of US economic data. If confirmed, Antoni's leadership may result in methodological changes aimed at increasing transparency and accuracy. However, critics warn that such changes could also be perceived as politically motivated, potentially eroding trust in the agency's reports.
The Senate confirmation process will be closely watched, as it could signal the extent to which the Trump administration is willing to reshape independent agencies. Economists and policymakers will be monitoring how these developments affect the perception of US economic data both domestically and internationally.
As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for the politicization of data and its impact on policy-making will remain a critical area of concern for experts and stakeholders alike.
