Former President Donald Trump’s last nomination for the next commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was E.J. Antoni. E.J. Antoni, a well-known right-wing economist with strong ties to the Heritage Foundation. This nomination comes less than two weeks after Trump unexpectedly fired the last commissioner, Erika McEntarfer. He personally shot her down, calling her “incompetent.” Retreats from smart regulation Left to right, Heritage chief economist, Stephen Moore, and Heritage’s ATE chief, transit-supporting, Ryan Avent. He’s probably best-known for his ongoing critique of the BLS.
Antoni received his Ph.D. in economics from Northern Illinois University. In recent years, he’s been working hand-in-hand with a number of right-wing groups. Effective immediately despite defense budget’s own “Davos” His nomination does require Senate confirmation. This process is likely to be controversial given his previous criticisms of the BLS and the current political climate surrounding the agency.
Background and Previous Criticism
E.J. Antoni’s impressive academic credentials seem to strongly balance out his years of hard work in right-wing think tank land. He’s most widely known for his work in the Heritage Foundation. There, he continues to inject negative and pessimistic opinion into policy discussions while cloaking himself in a conservative framework. His nomination comes at a perilous time when the American public is losing trust in the accuracy of government data. Antoni certainly hasn’t shied away from going after the BLS for what he believes is major misreporting in its releases.
Antoni’s relatively radical position on data collection has rattled some cages among economists. He has proposed that going back to quarterly reports would improve accuracy and help restore public confidence in the agency’s data. He’s been all over the mainstream and alternative media, including Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast. There, he chronicled his vision for the BLS, and the importance of providing clear, honest and accurate reporting.
“There are better ways to collect, process, and disseminate data – that is the task for the next BLS commissioner, and only consistent delivery of accurate data in a timely manner will rebuild the trust that has been lost over the last several years.” – E.J. Antoni
Political Reactions and Concerns
The nomination of E.J. Antoni has received equally alarming praise from political leaders and economists. Supporters tout his commitment to making economic data more precise and accurate. Stephen Moore, a fellow right-wing economist, told the Washington Post that he was sure Antoni would set the BLS straight.
“If anyone can fix the Bureau of Labor Statistics and give us accurate numbers, [Antoni] can.” – Stephen Moore
In contrast with that lukewarm response, many economists have expressed alarm at Antoni’s appointment to the role. Jason Furman, the former head of the Council of Economic Advisers, painted him as an “extreme partisan” with no relevant experience. Critics have said his appointment would move to further politicize an agency that has never hesitated to cross partisan lines with its independent economic statistics.
“Trump’s nominee for BLS commissioner, E.J. Antoni, is disastrously terrible,” – Justin Wolfers
“He has demonstrated no commitment to truth.” – Justin Wolfers
Implications for the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Antoni’s nomination, if it moves forward, presents two critical questions about partisanship at the BLS. The agency has been an indispensable force for providing the data that shapes economic policy and deepens the public’s understanding of labor markets. Worries about political influence might erode public confidence in whatever findings it produces.
Even President Trump’s first BLS Commissioner William Beach lamented Trump’s choice to fire McEntarfer. He believed her removal set to have far reaching consequences. He cautioned that this type of action could create a dangerous precedent for future leadership at the agency.
“The totally groundless firing of Dr. Erika McEntarfer, my successor as Commissioner of Labor Statistics at BLS, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the statistical mission of the Bureau.” – William Beach
E.J. Antoni, preparing for Senate confirmation hearings that will determine his nomination. The debates over his candidacy point to a broader struggle over the role of data integrity and political capture in America’s economic institutions.
