Trump intends to name a long-standing critic of the Bureau of Labor Statistics as the new agency's chief executive
President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate E.J. Antoni as the new commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in a move that has sparked significant controversy. Antoni, a chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, is a longtime skeptic of BLS data and has called for the firing of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer on Bannon's podcast.
McEntarfer was fired by Trump after a weaker-than-expected jobs report on Aug. 1, 2023. The BLS reported that the U.S. economy added just 73,000 jobs in July and revised the May and June numbers, lowering them by more than 200,000 jobs.
Rachel Bovard, vice president of programs at the Conservative Partnership Institute, believes that Antoni's appointment will turn the agency from one that is "apparently still playing catch up with accurate data" to one that is "transparent, reliable, and correct." Bovard considers Antoni as "whip smart, passionate, and committed to excellence." However, many experts and professional organizations have expressed doubts about Antoni's qualifications for the role.
Antoni does not have direct experience in economic statistics or with the BLS, which is unusual for a nominee to lead the agency. He holds a doctorate in economics from Northern Illinois University and has worked primarily as an economist at conservative think tanks. Critics emphasize Antoni’s lack of relevant expertise and statistical background, noting that previous commissioners typically had strong experience with economic statistics and government statistical agencies.
Jason Furman, who served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, has stated that Antoni is "completely unqualified" to be BLS commissioner. Furman described Antoni as an "extreme partisan" with no relevant experience for the role.
The professional community, including groups like Friends of BLS, has urged the Senate to conduct a thorough review of Antoni’s qualifications. They highlight important criteria for the role: deep expertise in economic statistics, strong management experience, a good reputation within the statistical community, familiarity with federal statistical agencies, and the ability to interact effectively with Congress and the Labor Department. Concerns persist whether Antoni meets these standards to maintain public trust and uphold the objectivity required of the position.
The accuracy of the data produced by the BLS is "built on a foundation of trust," according to JPMorgan's chief U.S. economist. Economists have warned that the firing of former BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer could pose a risk to global markets, financial stability, and the overall U.S. economy.
As chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, Antoni has written complimentary pieces about the Trump administration. Trump himself stated that Antoni will ensure "the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE." However, Antoni has been a vocal critic of the BLS’s methodology and data, calling some figures "phoney baloney" and making partisan remarks online. This has raised concerns about the potential politicization of a role traditionally seen as nonpartisan and the reliability of key labor and inflation data vital to economic decisions.
The Senate confirmation process is therefore seen as critical for ensuring appropriate leadership of the agency. President Joe Biden nominated McEntarfer in July 2023, and she was confirmed by the Senate in a 86-8 vote in January 2024. The future of Antoni's nomination remains uncertain.
[1] "Trump's nominee for BLS commissioner lacks data expertise, critics say" - The Hill [2] "E.J. Antoni, Trump's pick for BLS chief, faces questions over qualifications" - Politico [3] "The controversial nomination of E.J. Antoni for BLS commissioner" - Brookings Institution
- The nominated E.J. Antoni for the role of BLS commissioner, backed by President Donald Trump, is facing extensive criticism due to his lack of direct experience in economic statistics or with the BLS.
- The confirmation process for the controversial nominee, Antoni, is seen as crucial to ensure appropriate leadership of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a role traditionally viewed as nonpartisan and vital to producing reliable labor and inflation data.
- Experts and professional organizations, including Friends of BLS, have emphasized important criteria for the BLS commissioner role, such as deep expertise in economic statistics, a track record of strong management, a good reputation within the statistical community, familiarity with federal statistical agencies, and the ability to interact effectively with Congress and the Labor Department. These standards are crucial to upholding the objectivity and public trust necessary for the position.
