Trump Fires Jobs Data Chief Over Weak Employment Report
U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following the release of a weaker-than-expected employment report. The move has sparked concerns about the political independence of federal data agencies.
July Jobs Report Falls Short of Forecasts
The July employment report revealed that only 73,000 jobs were added to the economy, significantly below expectations. In addition, previous estimates for May and June were revised down by a combined 258,000 jobs. The unemployment rate also rose slightly to 4.2%, with notable losses in government and manufacturing sectors.
Trump Alleges Data Manipulation
President Trump accused McEntarfer, who was appointed during the previous administration, of overseeing what he described as “misleading and politically motivated” data. He announced her removal, stating that the nation needs a commissioner who delivers “accurate numbers.” Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski has been appointed to serve as acting chief.
Economists Warn of Institutional Risk
The abrupt dismissal has raised alarm among economists and former officials, who say the BLS has historically been shielded from political interference. Critics warned that undermining confidence in statistical agencies could harm investor trust, economic forecasting, and policy planning.
Broader Impact on Federal Appointments
The decision also opens the door for Trump to make new appointments that could influence how data is collected and interpreted in the future. Analysts suggest this may be part of a broader push to align key federal roles with the administration’s priorities ahead of the next economic cycle.
