Trump Nominates BLS Critic E.J. Antoni as Commissioner — Is U.S. Labor Data at Risk?
President Trump nominates conservative economist E.J. Antoni to lead the BLS after firing Erika McEntarfer. Experts warn of risks to statistical independence.
Key Takeaways
In August 2025, President Donald Trump abruptly dismissed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer following a weak July jobs report. Soon after, he nominated E.J. Antoni, chief economist at the Heritage Foundation and a frequent critic of BLS methodology.
This move has sparked heated debate over the independence of one of America’s most critical statistical agencies and raised questions about how future economic data will be collected and reported.
From McEntarfer’s Firing to Antoni’s Nomination: A Timeline
How the July Jobs Report Triggered Political Fallout
The July report showed just 73,000 jobs added, with unemployment rising slightly to 4.2%. This fell far short of expectations.
Additionally, job growth in May and June was revised downward by a combined 258,000. These numbers weakened Trump’s economic recovery narrative and fueled political tensions.
What Experts Say About Antoni’s Appointment
Why BLS Independence Matters for the Economy
The BLS directly influences decision-making at the Federal Reserve, in Congress, and across U.S. businesses. Any loss of credibility could introduce greater uncertainty into the economy.
Critics argue that Antoni’s nomination marks a break from the agency’s longstanding tradition of nonpartisan leadership.
Antoni, however, promises to deliver “more accurate and reliable data” through structural reforms.
What to Expect in the Senate Confirmation Battle
Antoni’s appointment must be confirmed by the Senate, where even some Republicans are expressing doubts over his qualifications and independence.
If confirmed, he is expected to push for changes in budget allocation, overhaul data collection methods, and potentially shift the way inflation and employment figures are compiled.
E.J. Antoni’s nomination could mark a turning point for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, challenging its independence and credibility.
With Senate confirmation ahead, the outcome will shape how U.S. labor and economic data is reported — and how much the public and markets trust it.
