Former Labor Statistics Chief Warns About White House Interference with Economic Statistics
A ex- director of American economic statistics has now warned that the White House moves may weaken the independence of vital government institutions.
Firing Viewed as Risky Move
Erika McEntarfer, who was the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, labeled her unexpected termination as “dangerous” and urged the American people to be aware to potential partisan interference in economic reporting.
“Economies have to trust that the data aren't biased,” McEntarfer said. “Firing top data officials for publishing data you don't like has significant financial repercussions.”
Statistics Revision Preceded Firing
The agency is responsible for gathering and releasing key economic figures. Back in August, it revised lower earlier employment numbers figures for May and June by over 250,000. Hours after, McEntarfer was fired.
This marked the first time a current commander-in-chief has dismissed the head of the statistics agency, sparking alarm among experts about the future objectivity of the organization.
New Candidate Raises Questions
Since the firing, the White House has proposed EJ Antoni, a scholar affiliated with a right-leaning policy institute and co-author to Project 2025, to lead the bureau. He has in the past criticized the Bureau of Labor Statistics and has not been approved by Congress.
At present, a longtime staff member, William Wiatrowski, is serving as interim commissioner.
International Cases Show Risk
McEntarfer pointed out that countries like Argentina, Greece, and Turkey have in the past faced comparable political interference in economic data, leading to eroded confidence, deepened economic crises, elevated inflation, and increased debt rates.
“Interfering with official statistics is like tampering with street lights,” McEntarfer explained. “Cars don't know where to go, congestion backs up. Nobody believes it’s beneficial for the country.”
Budget Reductions and Modernization Efforts
Even her dismissal, McEntarfer was pushing for updating the bureau’s information collection methods. However, budget was dried up, particularly after so-called “cost-cutting” policies led to a 20% drop in staff.
She had hoped that after recent shifts in administration, the agency could go back to “routine.” Instead, she ended up dismissed via a brief message from the administration.
Final Remarks
McEntarfer reiterated that up to the moment she was let go, the data produced by the bureau were accurate and free from influence. She also voiced unease about the direction of other key institutions, such as the Federal Reserve, which has likewise faced attacks from the current government.
“You ought to be able to live in a nation where you do not know who the head data official is,” McEntarfer remarked.
