BLS staff respond to firing of commissioner

Staff at the Bureau of Labor Statistics reacted to President Trump firing its commissioner after a weak July jobs report.

BLS staff respond after firing of commissioner amid jobs data clash

Emails released under FOIA show BLS staff labeling the firing of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer as depressive and crazy after a July jobs report that Trump dismissed as phony and rigged. The report showed 73,000 jobs added in July, with revisions that lowered May and June gains.
Behind the scenes, officials stressed the need for accuracy and professional integrity in statistics that influence policy decisions and financial markets. Acting commissioner William Wiatrowski told staff the mission remains to deliver high quality data, while a deputy compared the team to a ship that has lost its captain but will not sink. McEntarfer issued a calm note thanking staff for the work and stressing the importance of the data.

This episode lays bare a clash between political leadership and independent data agencies. The firing places the BLS under scrutiny and could erode trust when monthly job figures are used in policy debates. Yet the staff's response shows a quiet commitment to the professional norms that give the numbers their credibility.

Looking ahead, the incident could spark discussions about how leadership at essential agencies is chosen and how data independence is protected. The real test will be whether the data can stand on its own and continue to guide decisions even as politics enters the conversation.

Highlights

The numbers will speak for themselves as this story continues to unfold.