Quick Read
- E.J. Antoni, a conservative economist, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Antoni’s appointment follows the controversial firing of Erika McEntarfer, accused by Trump of manipulating data without evidence.
- Critics worry Antoni’s partisan ties could undermine the BLS’s historic independence and credibility.
- Antoni has proposed suspending monthly jobs reports due to flaws in data methodology.
- The Senate will now evaluate Antoni’s qualifications and his ability to lead the agency impartially.
The nomination of E.J. Antoni, a conservative economist and outspoken critic of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as its new commissioner has ignited fierce debates over the future of the agency and its long-standing reputation for non-partisanship. President Donald Trump announced his decision on August 12, 2025, following the abrupt dismissal of Erika McEntarfer earlier in the month. Antoni, who has ties to the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, is set to face Senate confirmation, but his controversial views and partisan affiliations have already drawn significant scrutiny.
A Controversial Appointment
Antoni’s nomination comes in the wake of Trump’s firing of McEntarfer on August 1, 2025, hours after the BLS released a report showing weak job growth for July and significant downward revisions for May and June. McEntarfer, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023 with bipartisan Senate approval, was accused by Trump of manipulating job data for political purposes, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims. According to CNN, Trump’s decision has alarmed economists, who view McEntarfer’s removal as a threat to the agency’s independence.
Antoni, who holds a Ph.D. in economics and serves as the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation’s Hermann Center for the Federal Budget, has been a vocal critic of the BLS’s data collection methodologies. In a recent interview with Fox Business, Antoni argued that flaws in the agency’s statistical models have led to misleading job reports, impacting critical decisions by businesses and policymakers. He even suggested suspending the monthly jobs report in favor of quarterly data, which he claims is more accurate but less timely.
Criticism and Support
The reaction to Antoni’s nomination has been sharply divided. Supporters, including Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts, have praised him as a “fearless truth-teller” who will prioritize accuracy and transparency in economic data. Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist, also lauded Antoni as the ideal candidate to lead the BLS during a politically charged period.
However, critics argue that Antoni lacks the qualifications and impartiality required for the role. Jason Furman, an economist who chaired President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers, described Antoni as “completely unqualified” and an “extreme partisan.” Similarly, economist Justin Wolfers labeled him “disastrously terrible,” pointing to Antoni’s history of controversial statements and alleged misrepresentations of economic statistics.
According to Axios, concerns have also been raised about the politicization of the BLS under Antoni’s leadership. The agency, which operates under the Department of Labor, has long been regarded as a “gold standard” for unbiased economic data. Economists fear that Antoni’s close ties to Trump and his conservative affiliations could undermine the integrity of the BLS, especially as Trump has repeatedly criticized the agency for allegedly favoring Democrats in its reporting.
Antoni’s Vision for the BLS
Antoni has outlined an ambitious plan to overhaul the BLS, calling for a “top-to-bottom review” of its data collection, analytics, and dissemination processes. He has criticized the agency for its declining survey response rates, which fell from 60% in January 2020 to less than 43% by April 2025, as reported by Bloomberg. Antoni argues that this decline has contributed to the “highly problematic” nature of post-pandemic economic data.
In addition, Antoni has echoed Trump’s claims that the BLS’s revisions to job data disproportionately benefited the Biden administration. For instance, a recent annual revision revealed that 589,000 fewer jobs were created in 2024 than initially reported, fueling accusations of bias. However, the BLS has attributed such revisions to the incorporation of more complete data, including tax return information, and has dismissed allegations of manipulation.
Despite his criticisms, Antoni has acknowledged that the BLS plays a vital role in shaping economic policy. In his view, restoring trust in the agency’s data will require not only methodological improvements but also greater transparency. He has proposed publishing additional information on the BLS website to enhance public confidence in its reports.
The Road Ahead
Antoni’s nomination now moves to the Senate, where he is expected to face tough questioning from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The confirmation process will likely focus on his qualifications, his vision for the BLS, and his ability to maintain the agency’s independence. According to Finance Yahoo, former commissioners and advocacy groups have emphasized the importance of bipartisan support and data integrity for any candidate seeking to lead the BLS.
In the meantime, the acting commissioner, William Wiatrowski, continues to oversee the agency’s operations. The BLS is preparing to release its next major report on inflation, a topic that has already been highly politicized in recent months.
The nomination of E.J. Antoni marks a pivotal moment for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as it navigates challenges to its credibility and independence. Whether Antoni can rise above partisan pressures and fulfill his promises of transparency and accuracy remains to be seen.