Distrust of economists is on the rise, affecting not only their personal opinions but also their work. Politicians and voters alike are increasingly questioning the expertise of economists, as seen in President Trump’s recent decision to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the past, economists played a significant role in advising presidents, but today, many feel that trust has been eroded.
A recent episode of Planet Money explored this issue, featuring economists discussing how distrust is impacting their mental well-being and professional performance. The show aimed to examine whether it’s possible for economists to regain the trust they once had with policymakers and the public.
The episode, hosted by Amanda Aronczyk, shed light on the challenges faced by economists in today’s environment of skepticism and criticism. As economists struggle to rebuild trust, it remains to be seen whether their expertise can be restored to its former glory.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/01/1256575142/trust-economics-trump-bls-bureau-labor-statistics-jobs