Donald Trump defended his decision to fire Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after a disappointing jobs report. He stated that the jobs report was 'rigged' against him and characterized the situation as highly political. Despite warnings that this move could undermine confidence in future reports, Trump remained unconvinced. Critics, including former Labor Statistics Commissioner William Beach, argue that commissioners have limited influence on job data and that the firing was baseless, posing a threat to the integrity of BLS.
"So, look, it is a highly political situation. It is totally rigged. Smart people know it. People with common sense know it, and a lot of people like to keep their heads under the covers."
"The totally groundless firing of Dr. Erika McEntarfer, my successor as Commissioner of Labor Statistics at BLS, sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the statistical mission of the Bureau."
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