What A Day Amid Bad Jobs Report, Trump White House Leans Into Politics
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Aug 5, 2025 Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former chief economist at the Department of Labor under President Obama, dives into the controversy surrounding the Bureau of Labor Statistics after its head was fired over a ‘rigged’ jobs report. She discusses the implications of leadership changes on data integrity and sheds light on the challenges of accurate labor reporting. Political tactics and the narrative shifts from the Trump administration are examined, revealing a chaotic backdrop to economic concerns and trust in government data.
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BLS' Methodology Is Standard Practice
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a highly respected, nonpartisan agency producing vital labor data.
- Criticizing its revisions misunderstands how BLS balances timely and accurate economic data.
Job Report Revisions Signal Risk
- Large downward revisions to jobs reports can signal economic downturns and recession risks.
- During inflection points, BLS's estimation models perform less accurately, creating more pronounced revisions.
Firing Erodes Data Trust and Democracy
- Trump's firing of the BLS commissioner damages trust in economic data and threatens democracy.
- Reliable data are crucial for policymakers, businesses, and the economy; distrust can accelerate economic instability.