The Wall Street Journal editorial board issued a stern warning on Tuesday, August 12, regarding President Donald Trump’s interference with federal jobs data and his selection of a new leader for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper criticized Trump’s choice of E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following the president’s dismissal of the previous leader. Trump removed Erika McEntarfer after a jobs report revealed what officials described as the worst three months of job growth since the coronavirus pandemic.
The president characterized these employment figures as rigged to damage him politically, though the White House has provided no evidence to support this assertion. The BLS data showed weaker-than-expected July employment numbers, with the agency also significantly revising downward the job gains from the two preceding months.
The Journal’s editorial board highlighted concerns about Antoni’s background as chief economist for the right-wing Heritage Foundation, where he produced what the publication characterized as highly partisan commentary. The newspaper emphasized that his new position demands nonpartisan professionalism, contrasting sharply with his previous role.
In a pointed comparison, the editorial board drew parallels to authoritarian data manipulation, stating that “few people trust China’s economic data because they know the government serves the interests of the ruling Communist Party.” The publication warned that Antoni would need to abandon partisan approaches to ensure public and market confidence in BLS data.
Antoni’s nomination generated additional concern after revelations that he had suggested eliminating the agency’s closely monitored monthly jobs estimates shortly before being selected for the position. In an interview with Fox News Digital conducted last week and published Tuesday, Antoni recommended that the BLS suspend issuing monthly job reports until corrections could be implemented, while continuing to publish quarterly data that he described as more accurate though less timely.
However, Heritage Foundation economist and former Trump adviser Stephen Moore informed CNN that Antoni has since moderated his position regarding suspension of the monthly employment reports. This apparent shift in stance comes as Antoni prepares to potentially oversee the very data collection processes he previously criticized.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics produces monthly employment reports that track job additions and losses across the American economy. These reports regularly undergo revisions as the agency receives additional data from various employers, making adjustments a standard part of the statistical process rather than an indication of manipulation or error.
In announcing Antoni’s nomination Monday, Trump indicated the appointee would ensure that released numbers are honest and accurate. This statement followed the president’s broader criticism of economic data produced under the previous administration and his claims that statistical agencies had been compromised by political considerations.
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial represents a significant rebuke from a traditionally conservative publication that has generally supported Republican economic policies. The newspaper’s criticism focuses specifically on the importance of maintaining statistical integrity in federal data collection, regardless of political considerations.
Antoni’s background includes extensive work in conservative economic analysis, where he frequently challenged government economic data and methodologies. His transition from partisan commentary to overseeing the production of official government statistics represents a significant shift in responsibilities that has drawn scrutiny from multiple quarters.
The controversy surrounding BLS leadership reflects broader tensions regarding the independence of federal statistical agencies. Economic data produced by these organizations influences financial markets, policy decisions, and public understanding of economic conditions, making their credibility essential for effective governance and market function.
McEntarfer’s removal following disappointing employment data marks an unusual intervention in the typically apolitical operations of federal statistical agencies. Career officials traditionally maintain their positions across administration changes to preserve continuity and independence in data collection and analysis.
The Wall Street Journal’s warning underscores concerns that political interference in statistical agencies could undermine confidence in American economic data both domestically and internationally. Financial markets and policymakers rely on accurate, unbiased information to make critical decisions affecting millions of Americans and global economic stability.
