Trump dismisses Employment Data Administrator following job report release
President Donald Trump's decision to remove Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following the release of weaker-than-expected job growth data, has sparked concerns about the political legitimacy and public trust in U.S. economic data.
The controversy began in May 2025 when the initial job figures showed slower growth. Trump enthusiastically praised the numbers, posting "GREAT JOB NUMBERS, STOCK MARKET UP BIG!" on June 6. However, his tone changed dramatically when the figures were revised downward. Trump accused McEntarfer of manipulating jobs data for political reasons, without presenting evidence.
The Senate had confirmed McEntarfer to her position in January 2024, following her nomination by President Joe Biden. Her removal was immediate, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the labour secretary, announced that William Wiatrowski, the deputy commissioner, would serve as the acting director.
The job gains for May were revised down to 19,000 from a previously revised 125,000. The estimate for June was cut to 14,000 from 147,000. The disappointing employment figure sent US market indexes about 1.5% lower on Friday. The estimate was later revised down to 125,000 jobs, and then to just 19,000.
Economists, including JPMorgan's chief U.S. economist, have expressed concern that Trump's move risks damaging confidence in the accuracy and independence of official economic statistics, which are critical for monetary policy, financial stability, and economic outlook assessments.
The backlash includes critiques that the BLS commissioner does not personally collect or adjust the labor statistics, making the claims of manipulation groundless. The incident has sparked debate over the independence of federal statistical agencies and whether political interference can erode the credibility of official economic data in the U.S.
Vice President JD Vance was among the yea votes that confirmed McEntarfer in the Senate. Despite officials from the National Economic Council arguing the need for "more transparent and reliable" data, this rationale has not alleviated fears about politicization of data collection agencies. The action is viewed as a punitive response to unfavorable economic news and has raised alarms about potential chilling effects on career federal statisticians who produce unbiased economic data.
In conclusion, Trump's removal of the BLS head amid accusations of data manipulation has indeed impacted the political legitimacy and public confidence in U.S. economic data by casting doubt on the impartiality and reliability of key labor market statistics.
- The controversy surrounding the removal of Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), has raised concerns about the political legitimacy and public trust in U.S. economic data, particularly within the context of policy-and-legislation and politics.
- The weaker-than-expected job growth data and its subsequent revisions, coupled with President Donald Trump's accusations of data manipulation against McEntarfer, have led economists to question the accuracy and independence of official economic statistics, which are crucial for monetary policy, financial stability, and general-news reporting.
- The incident involving the BLS head's removal has sparked debate in crime-and-justice circles, with critics contending that politicization of data collection agencies such as the BLS can erode the credibility of official economic data, potentially leading to chilling effects on career federal statisticians who produce unbiased economic data.
