Overview

• President Trump has formally nominated E.J. Antoni to be BLS commissioner, a pick that has spotlighted his proposal to suspend the bureau’s monthly jobs report until data methods are overhauled.
• Prominent economists from conservative and liberal backgrounds have criticized Antoni as markedly partisan and lacking relevant statistical expertise, warning his appointment risks undermining the agency’s nonpartisan mission.
• Career BLS officials emphasize that established procedures make direct manipulation of headline numbers unlikely but caution that perceived partisanship could erode public trust and reduce survey participation.
• New reporting that Antoni was present on the Capitol grounds on January 6 has intensified scrutiny and become a litmus test for potential Republican defectors in the Senate confirmation process.
• With several GOP senators expressing reservations, Antoni’s confirmation remains uncertain and the Bureau continues under acting leadership pending upcoming Senate hearings.