Trump's chosen nominee for the BLS position voiced criticisms against the Bureau of Labor Statistics
E.J. Antoni, a conservative economist and fellow at the Heritage Foundation, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Antoni, who holds a doctorate in economics from Northern Illinois University, has been vocal in his criticism of the BLS, questioning the agency's data collection methods and disputing the accuracy of reported figures[1][2].
Antoni's nomination comes after the firing of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer, who was Senate-confirmed with strong bipartisan support but was abruptly dismissed by Trump following a weaker-than-expected jobs report. Antoni has publicly agreed with Steve Bannon, a former White House advisor, in labelling McEntarfer as "incompetent" and suggesting that a MAGA Republican should be put into the position[3].
The nomination has raised concerns among economists, who fear that Antoni's appointment could undermine the perceived independence and reliability of labor statistics. These concerns stem from Antoni's public skepticism about the BLS's methodology and the potential politicization of the agency. Antoni's affiliation with the far-right Heritage Foundation and his contributions to their Project 2025 blueprint aimed at overhauling government institutions have also raised eyebrows[1][2].
Antoni's criticisms of the BLS extend back to 2022, including a blog post where he called a methodology change for the BLS's Consumer Price Index an "Orwellian trick" to mask higher inflation[4]. He has also echoed Trump's criticism of the BLS, claiming that recent massive annual revisions have given former President Joe Biden favorable headlines each month[5].
The BLS has faced challenges in recent years, with survey response rates for the monthly jobs report tumbling since the Covid-19 pandemic, from 60% in January 2020 to less than 43% for the April 2025 report[6]. The agency has also warned that cuts issued by the Department of Government Efficiency have disrupted data collection for government reports[7]. Antoni has been outspoken in his criticism of these issues, calling for major changes to improve accuracy and timeliness[1][2].
Antoni's nomination is currently pending Senate confirmation. In the meantime, the BLS is being led by acting Commissioner William Watrowski, a career official with decades of agency experience[1]. Economists worry that Antoni's prior criticisms and political alignment might lead to less transparent or less credible statistical reporting, which is vital for economic policy and public trust.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Background | Economist with PhD from Northern Illinois University; Heritage Foundation fellow | | Criticism of BLS | Questions data collection, methodology, and accuracy; called health insurance data "phoney baloney" | | Political Alignment | Conservative, linked to far-right Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 | | Concerns | Potential politicization of BLS, undermining statistical independence and credibility | | Context of Nomination | Following firing of former commissioner post weak jobs report, labeled "rigged" by Trump | | Confirmation Status | Pending Senate confirmation |
These details highlight the controversy around Antoni's nomination, reflecting broader debates about maintaining the integrity of federal economic data agencies[1][2][3].
[1] CNN article [2] The Washington Post article [3] Steve Bannon's War Room podcast [4] Heritage Foundation blog post [5] CNN article [6] BLS report [7] BLS statement
- The ongoing debate about maintaining the integrity of federal economic data agencies is highlighted by the controversial nomination of E.J. Antoni, a Heritage Foundation fellow, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Apart from his academic background, Antoni has been vocal in his criticism of the BLS, questioning its data collection methods and disputing the accuracy of reported figures, which has raised concerns among economists.
- Moreover, Antoni's political affiliation with the far-right Heritage Foundation and his public skepticism about the BLS's methodology have added to the concerns over potential politicization of the agency.
- In the general news, the nomination of Antoni comes amidst broader discussions concerning policy and legislation, as well as crime and justice, particularly given his past criticisms and political alignment that could potentially lead to less transparent or less credible statistical reporting.
- Adding to the context, Antoni's nomination follows the firing of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer, an event that sparked debates within the sports community, including sports analysis and sports-betting, given Trump's criticism of the BLS's reports and their potential impact on economic policy decisions.
