President Trump Nominates EJ Antoni to Lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Trump cannot seem to accept the recent poor jobs reports. — Yuri Gripas/Pool/CNP/ZUMA

On Monday evening, President Donald Trump announced his nomination for the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) following the removal of the previous commissioner, which came after Trump claimed the latest jobs data was “rigged.”

His pick, EJ Antoni, is a conservative economist affiliated with the Heritage Foundation and a critic of the BLS. Antoni has previously suggested that the agency’s reports should be overhauled or even abolished. Trump asserted that Antoni would ensure the release of “honest and accurate” economic data.

Many economists have criticized Antoni’s qualifications, describing him as “completely unqualified,” “an extreme partisan,” and “disastrously terrible.” Critics also point out that Antoni’s work at the Heritage Foundation often contains elementary errors and partisan bias.

If confirmed, Antoni’s appointment could reshape the BLS in a manner aligning with Trump’s political views. Last week, Antoni expressed to Steve Bannon’s podcast the desire for a “full overhaul” of the agency, emphasizing the need for a Republican supporter in charge, blaming the current leadership for data problems.

He also proposed publishing quarterly instead of monthly jobs reports, a move that could limit economic transparency, although he later appeared to back maintaining the timeliness of data delivery. Antoni’s background includes a PhD in economics from Northern Illinois University and work with right-wing organizations like FreedomWorks and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He also contributed to Project 2025, a plan outlining a second Trump term, which includes controversial ideas for reorganizing or merging statistical agencies.

Antoni has alleged that revisions to recent jobs numbers were politically motivated, despite widespread consensus that such updates are routine. He has also promoted misleading claims about the reliability of government data, endorsed tariffs, and argued for restrictive immigration policies, despite expert warnings about economic harm.

Senate confirmation is required for Antoni to officially assume the role. The position is currently vacant, with the agency facing budget cuts and staffing challenges.