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Trump Fires BLS Chief Over Routine Job Data Revisions, Raising Trust Concerns

Economists warn that replacing an independent statistician undermines confidence in U.S. economic data.

Then-U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer poses for a photograph in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on August 2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House on August 01, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 73,000 jobs added in July and revised May and June figures down by a combined 258,000 positions.
  • President Trump labeled the unexpected revisions “rigged,” dismissed Commissioner Erika McEntarfer and vowed to appoint a new statistician.
  • White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett defended the firing as evidence of data manipulation and said the administration seeks greater transparency.
  • Former BLS leaders and bipartisan experts insist revisions are a standard part of the methodology and caution that politicizing the agency threatens its credibility.
  • Investors and market analysts warn that doubts over the integrity of official labor statistics could hamper economic planning and policy decisions.