Trump's Controversial Move: BLS Commissioner's Firing Sparks Debate

In a controversial decision, President Donald Trump has dismissed Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after job data revealed weaker-than-expected growth in July. Trump's decision follows disappointing employment figures and a downward revision of prior job counts, though he provided no evidence of data manipulation.

The Bureau's credibility has come under scrutiny as economists and labor unions question the firing's implications. They argue that the Trump administration is politicizing key economic statistics, potentially compromising the quality of data long upheld as the global standard.

Meanwhile, interim measures see Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski stepping in as acting commissioner. With ongoing tensions surrounding trade policies and international tariffs, experts warn that the current administration's actions could lead to lasting damage to the economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)