Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Dismissal of BLS Chief Amid Data Accuracy Concerns
President Trump's removal of Bureau of Labor Statistics chief Erika McEntarfer has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could undermine trust in U.S. economic data. Trump alleges data manipulation, despite no evidence, leading to growing apprehension about the integrity of official economic reports amidst new U.S. tariffs and global market instability.
Economic tensions at the White House escalated as key advisers defended President Donald Trump's decision to remove Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Critics fear this move could jeopardize confidence in official economic data.
Trump dismissed McEntarfer citing concerns over job numbers revisions, accusing her without evidence of data manipulation. The BLS is responsible for key economic metrics, including employment and price indices. The revision of May and June job figures by 258,000 downward played a vital role in the dismissal decision.
While BLS revisions are routine, Trump's actions have sparked a political uproar from Democrats and some Republicans. The event coincides with heightened economic turmoil due to new U.S. tariffs on several trade partners, fuelling global market instability.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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