President Donald Trump has nominated E.J. Antoni, a prominent conservative economist, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency crucial for understanding the US labor market and economy. As chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, Antoni’s nomination has sparked controversy among economists and policymakers.
Antoni’s appointment raises concerns about the potential shift in data interpretation and methodology under his leadership. The BLS is responsible for producing key statistics on employment, inflation, and wage growth, which inform economic policy decisions.
Some of Antoni’s past ideas have been contentious, including a proposal to expand the use of “experimental” data, which some critics argue could compromise the accuracy of labor market statistics. Another idea has suggested that the BLS should focus more on measuring productivity rather than employment numbers.
Antoni’s views on issues like minimum wage and labor union regulation have also drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. His nomination has sparked calls for increased scrutiny of his qualifications and record.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a vital role in shaping economic policy, and the president’s choice of Antoni to lead it has significant implications for data-driven decision-making.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/15/trump-antoni-bls-nomination