Trump taps conservative economist EJ Antoni to serve as next labor statistics chief
'Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE,' Trump posted on Truth Social. 'I know E.J. Antoni will do an incredible job in this new role. Congratulations E.J.!'
Antoni is the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation and previously contributed to Project 2025's policy rubric, which outlined potential moves for the next GOP administration during the 2024 campaign.
Antoni has in the past expressed skepticism about data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He recently appeared on conservative firebrand Steve Bannon's podcast to urge Trump to fire the previous commissioner, Erika McEntarfer.
The position requires Senate confirmation, but Republicans hold a 53-47 GOP majority, giving Antoni a path to the job even if there are defections.
Trump earlier this month ordered the firing of McEntarfer, a Biden White House appointee who was confirmed with a large bipartisan majority in the Senate in 2024.
The move came after the jobs report released in early August showed lower-than-expected hiring in July and major downward revisions to the jobs reports from May and June.
While Trump and his allies argued it was a move intended to improve transparency and accuracy, critics noted McEntarfer had little to do with what the numbers showed. Economists and lawmakers also expressed concern that it would erode credibility and confidence in government data, hurting businesses and consumers in the process.
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