In a move that has raised eyebrows across Wall Street and Washington, President Trump has chosen E.J. Antoni, an economist with limited experience in statistics, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) after dismissing Erika McEntarfer, as The Hill reports.

The nomination has stirred concerns among economists about potential bias in economic data under Antoni's leadership.

Traditionally, the BLS commissioner's role is filled by individuals with substantial academic backgrounds or career experience in economics and statistics.

This standard was bypassed when Trump nominated Antoni shortly after McEntarfer's removal due to a disappointing July jobs report. The report's less-than-stellar figures were partly attributed to late reporting of educational employment and seasonal job patterns.

Concerns emerge over Antoni's background

Antoni is known for his conservative stance and public advocacy roles at the Heritage Foundation and the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.

Critics point out his lack of qualifications for a position that necessitates intricate statistical expertise. Jason Furman, a Harvard economist, stated that Antoni, in his opinion, is "completely unqualified” for the role.

The nominee has suggested an overhaul of the BLS data release process, recommending a shift from monthly to quarterly reports. He argues this approach could lead to more accurate data releases. However, this move has been viewed with skepticism by some economists who fear it may lower transparency.

McEntarfer's dismissal has sparked outcry, with William Beach describing the firing as "totally groundless,” stating it undermines the integrity of the Bureau.

Economists speak out on nomination

Economists like Stan Veuger from the American Enterprise Institute have raised alarms about Antoni's perceived partisanship, calling him “as partisan as it gets.” The concerns extend beyond qualifications, focusing on the potential for increased politicization within the BLS.

Alan Cole from the Tax Foundation pointed to errors in Antoni's previous economic analyses and papers. According to Cole, Antoni’s publication errors are concerning, with mistakes being “worse to do it in long form.”

While addressing the July jobs report, Antoni emphasized that despite the negative numbers, there were aspects “good news” worthy of acknowledgment. Nevertheless, the report’s disappointing figures cannot be overlooked.

Calls for thorough Senate vetting

Opposition groups like Friends of BLS are urging a detailed examination of Antoni's nomination by the Senate, which is controlled by the GOP. They believe this scrutiny is necessary to ensure the BLS's continued reliability and objectivity.

Erica Groshen commented on the importance of the Senate’s responsibility in examining such nominations, particularly in ensuring adherence to nonpartisan standards.

She cautioned against violations of OMB Directive No. 3, suggesting such breaches could signal systemic issues.

Groshen defended the integrity of the BLS, explaining that the challenges facing the Bureau are part of a broader global phenomenon, not indicative of internal failures. Response rates to BLS surveys have declined since the pandemic, impacting data accuracy.

Future of BLS under scrutiny

Antoni's nomination continues to be a point of contention as economists fear that under his leadership, the BLS could become a tool for political manipulation rather than remaining a neutral agency.

The GOP-controlled Senate is expected to confirm Antoni, but not without significant debate and analysis from those within the economic community who wish to preserve the Bureau's independence.

As this nomination process unfolds, observers are keeping a close watch on how changes within the BLS could impact the broader economic landscape of the United States.