"President Trump's nominee to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics has withdrawn after widespread criticism that he was too partisan and inexperienced to hold such an important role in government. A White House official confirmed the move, saying Trump would name a replacement for nominee E.J. Antoni "very soon." The BLS produces some of the government's most closely-watched economic reports, including monthly updates on jobs and inflation. All of its reports are on hold for now until the government shutdown"
"Antoni's nomination was widely criticized Antoni's selection was praised by Trump loyalists like Stephen Moore and Steve Bannon. But it was roundly criticized by even conservative economists. Opponents said Antoni who has spent most of his career at right-wing think tanks lacked the expertise in statistical number crunching that's typical of previous BLS commissioners. A group of BLS supporters issued a statement Tuesday urging the president to choose a new nominee with a technical and non-partisan background."
E.J. Antoni withdrew as President Trump's nominee to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics after widespread criticism that he was partisan and inexperienced. A White House official said a replacement would be named very soon. The Bureau produces closely watched economic reports, including monthly jobs and inflation updates, and its reports are on hold during the government shutdown. Antoni was tapped after Trump abruptly fired former commissioner Erika McEntarfer following a disappointing jobs report; the president claimed manipulation without offering evidence. Economists across the spectrum criticized Antoni's limited statistical background from right‑wing think tanks. BLS supporters urged a technically skilled, nonpartisan nominee and noted staffing cuts and falling survey response rates.
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