Trump’s Firing of BLS Commissioner Raises Alarm

Following is a statement from Amy Traub, senior researcher and policy analyst with the National Employment Law Project:

“President Trump’s firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, over today’s jobs report, simply because the numbers don’t align with his political narrative, is a direct assault on the foundations of a functioning government. It is a profoundly dangerous, undemocratic step that threatens our economy.

Reliable economic data is critical for holding policymakers accountable for the outcomes of their decisions.

“This move goes beyond politics. It’s economically reckless. We have grave concerns that President Trump will try to install a loyalist who will deliver the news he wants, whether it’s accurate or not.

“Workers know when they’ve lost their jobs or when their pay stagnates, but we need data from professional, non-partisan agencies like the BLS to understand the whole picture.

“Workers, employers, investors, and policymakers all rely on this trusted, nonpartisan economic data to make critical decisions. When leaders manipulate or cast doubt on these numbers, it erodes public trust and creates a state of economic chaos. This is a clear case of political intimidation, and the cost of this disgraceful move will be paid by working people first.

“Reliable economic data is also critical for holding policymakers accountable for the outcomes of their decisions. Manipulating data to serve a political agenda is the action of a dictator.”

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