Trump's Terms 'Without any precedent': former BLS head on fired labor official, 'rigged' claims
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Aug 4, 2025 The discussion dives into the rare firing of a Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner linked to troubling job numbers. A former commissioner highlights the significance of maintaining integrity in labor data. Trust in government statistics is emphasized, showcasing how questioned figures can jeopardize economic stability. The episode underscores the need for transparency and reliability in public data, essential for informed governance.
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Firing BLS Commissioner Unprecedented
- Erica Groshen was surprised by the firing of the BLS commissioner immediately after job numbers release.
- She noted there is no modern precedent for such a dismissal in this context.
BLS Data Integrity Is Strong
- The BLS commissioner cannot manipulate job numbers because they see the data only after finalization.
- The process involves many people, making data rigging nearly impossible without detection.
BLS Promotes Transparency and Integrity
- BLS has a culture that would quickly resist and expose any data manipulation attempts.
- Methodology changes are publicly explained to maintain transparency and trust.