President Trump on Sunday defended his controversial decision to dismiss Erika McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the wake of a disappointingly weak jobs report. The abrupt firing, announced late Saturday, has spurred criticism from lawmakers, economists, and former BLS officials who warn the move could undermine the agency’s independence.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump alleged that McEntarfer “had the biggest miss in history” and accused her of overseeing “sloppy and misleading” job numbers. The June employment report, released Friday, revealed gains far lower than economists had anticipated, fanning concerns about the ongoing economic recovery.
“When leadership at a critical agency produces numbers that are so far from expectations, you have to question their competence,” Trump wrote. “America deserves better—we are demanding accuracy and accountability.” The former president’s comments did not address the procedural norms intended to insulate BLS leadership from political influence.
Critics were quick to push back, arguing that government statistical agencies must remain independent to ensure public trust. “Firing the BLS chief because you don’t like the data is a dangerous precedent,” said Rep. Anna Garcia (D-CA), who serves on the House Committee overseeing labor issues. “It erodes confidence in all government statistics.”
Past BLS commissioners have rarely faced such political scrutiny, as the agency is seen as a nonpartisan source of economic data used by businesses, researchers, and policymakers nationwide. The Labor Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s decision or the appointment of an interim replacement.
Economists also warned of potential fallout from the dismissal. “The jobs figures are subject to rigorous review and transparent methodologies,” said Mark Reynolds, a labor market expert at Georgetown University. “If political leaders routinely second-guess the process, it could distort public understanding of our economy.”
Despite the backlash, Trump stood by his decision, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and economic growth. “We will restore confidence in our data and make sure American workers are no longer let down by government officials who can’t do their jobs.” As the debate intensifies, observers are watching closely to see how the administration will move forward amid the controversy.
