BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just announced the nomination of EJ Antoni, a conservative economist from the Heritage Foundation, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This decision follows the controversial firing of former BLS head Erika McEntarfer, which has raised serious concerns about the integrity of US government statistics.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on July 17, 2023, Trump declared, “Our economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE.” He praised Antoni’s capabilities, stating, “I know E.J. Antoni will do an incredible job in this new role. Congratulations E.J.!” The nomination now awaits confirmation by the US Senate.
This move comes after McEntarfer was dismissed earlier this month, a decision Trump justified by claiming the latest jobs report showed artificially weak employment figures designed to undermine his presidency. He alleged, without evidence, that the report had been “rigged” against him.
Antoni has a history of supporting Trump’s policies. He previously called for McEntarfer’s removal and has frequently lauded the president’s economic decisions. Following a recent trade deal announcement with Japan, he described the agreement as “darn close” to perfect. Antoni has also stated the need for “accurate data in a timely manner” to restore trust in the BLS.
However, the nomination has sparked immediate backlash from economists concerned about Antoni’s qualifications. Harvard economist Jason Furman, who advised former President Barack Obama, criticized Antoni as “completely unqualified,” emphasizing his extreme partisanship and lack of relevant expertise. Former BLS director Erica Groshen echoed these sentiments, noting the nominee’s limited recognition in business and public service circles.
As this story develops, the implications of Antoni’s nomination on the credibility of US economic data will be closely monitored. The potential for increased political influence over vital economic statistics poses a significant concern for analysts and policymakers alike.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as the Senate confirmation process unfolds and reactions from the economic community continue to pour in.
