Potential nominee for labor statistics agency head may temporarily halt monthly employment data releases due to alleged accuracy doubts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its latest Employment Situation Summary on August 1, 2025, revealing a modest job growth of 147,000 in June and a stable unemployment rate of 4.1%. However, the report faced criticism from E.J. Antoni, a renowned economist and the nominee to lead the BLS.
Antoni, currently the chief economist at The Heritage Foundation, accused the BLS of producing unreliable data, with persistent flaws that have gone unaddressed for three years. He argued that these flaws often lead to overstatements in the monthly jobs report.
The BLS's methodology relies on two main surveys: the household survey for labor force status and unemployment by demographic groups, and the establishment survey for nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. The BLS conducts annual benchmark revisions to correct survey errors and update industry classifications, with the next revision scheduled for September 2025.
Despite the controversy surrounding the monthly jobs report, Antoni did not suggest that the data was intentionally manipulated. Instead, he proposed the BLS should publish more accurate, though less timely, quarterly data instead.
The nomination of Antoni to head the BLS is subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he would succeed Erika McEntarfer, who was abruptly dismissed by President Donald Trump following the release of new data showing that job growth had been significantly overstated.
President Trump announced Antoni's nomination on August 12, 2025, on Truth Social. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, praised Antoni as a "stellar choice" to lead the BLS, highlighting his role in advancing the foundation's mission to protect American families and rebuild a resilient economy rooted in free enterprise.
However, Antoni's critics argue that his nomination could politicize the BLS, potentially undermining the agency's credibility and independence. Antoni did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
In conclusion, while the BLS's monthly jobs report remains the official and routinely updated government publication, it faces criticism from Antoni, the nominee to lead the agency. If confirmed, Antoni aims to address the persistent flaws in the BLS's data and potentially shift the focus from monthly to quarterly reports.
[1] "Employment Situation Summary - June 2025" - Bureau of Labor Statistics [2] "BLS to Conduct Benchmark Revision in September 2025" - Bureau of Labor Statistics [4] "Revised Employment Figures Show Significant Job Losses in May and June 2025" - Fox News Digital
This article reflects the latest information available as of mid-2025. For the most current data, please refer to the official BLS website.
- The controversy over the BLS's monthly jobs report has led Antoni, the nominee to lead the agency, to suggest a shift from monthly to quarterly data publication, pointing out persistent flaws and potential unreliability in the current methodology.
- The nomination of Antoni as head of the BLS has sparked debate in the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, with concerns being raised about the potential politicization of the agency and its impact on its credibility and independence.
- As the uncertainty over the accuracy of BLS data persists, the economy, finance, and business communities look forward to detailed analyses of employment and unemployment figures, keeping a watchful eye on any revisions to the data and adjusting their strategies accordingly, all within the context of general news developments.
