Trump's proposed nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics has sparked a wave of criticism from economists due to concerns over their qualifications and potential impact on economic data integrity.
The nomination of E.J. Antoni, a conservative economist and fellow at the Heritage Foundation, as the next Commissioner of the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has sparked a heated debate. President Donald Trump announced Antoni's nomination in August 2025, following the dismissal of the previous commissioner, Erika McEntarfer.
Antoni, who holds a doctorate in economics from Northern Illinois University, has been vocal in his criticism of the BLS, challenging its methodology and data accuracy. His nomination comes amidst concerns about flaws in the government's jobs data and declining response rates to surveys.
Critics argue that Antoni's confrontational and skeptical stance towards the BLS, a 141-year-old institution known for producing reputable and authoritative labor statistics, could potentially lead to political interference and undermine the bureau's credibility. The debate over Antoni’s suitability is described as one of the most contentious in the history of the Bureau.
Sen. Patty Murray labelled Antoni as an "unqualified right-wing extremist" and demanded a confirmation hearing for him. However, Antoni may face stiff opposition from Democrats, but this may not be enough to derail his appointment.
If confirmed, Antoni would oversee the release of the consumer price index by which Social Security payments are adjusted for inflation. However, other economists across the political spectrum have criticized his nomination, with concerns that he could push for changes in the monthly press release and seek to portray the numbers in a more positive light.
Katharine Abraham, a former BLS commissioner, suggested updating the jobs report's methods, using modern data sources, and filling in gaps with surveys. She believes that if confirmed, Antoni could lead critical modernization efforts rather than perpetuating skepticism and undermining confidence in official statistics.
The monthly employment reports are closely watched economic data on Wall Street and can frequently cause swings in stock prices. Some economists, such as Albrecht, have suggested room for improvement in the job report, while others, like William Beach, express confidence that BLS procedures are strong enough to prevent political meddling.
The drop in response rates to surveys has made the jobs figures more volatile, though not necessarily less accurate over time. There's also an inconsistency between wanting higher response rates and proposing BLS funding cuts, a point raised by Abraham. The odds of rigging the numbers are low, according to Beach.
The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics is typically led by a technocrat with extensive experience in statistical agencies. Antoni's nomination, if confirmed, could bring a new level of politicization to the Bureau. It remains to be seen how Antoni will navigate the complex responsibilities of the role, restore public trust, defend the BLS from political pressures, and lead modernization efforts.
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