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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] On August 1, President Donald Trump dismissed Erika McEntarfer, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accusing her of politically manipulating jobs data following a sluggish July employment report.
The July report revealed that only 73,000 nonfarm jobs were added—well below market expectations (~106,000)—and the unemployment rate rose from 4.1% to 4.2%. Furthermore, employment numbers for May and June were revised downward by a combined 258,000 jobs.
Trump accused the BLS of “rigged” statistics intended to undermine his image and directed on his social media platform that McEntarfer be removed immediately. He did not present evidence to support his claim.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, U.S. Labor Secretary, confirmed the dismissal and announced that Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski has been appointed as acting commissioner.
ABC News
The abrupt termination drew strong criticism from economists, former BLS officials, and lawmakers from both parties who warned that the move threatens the credibility of one of the world’s most respected statistical agencies.
Wall Street Journal
Analysts highlight that data revisions are routine—based on updated survey responses and tax filings—and do not signal intentional manipulation. The BLS process typically includes revision of prior months with new information.
The firing triggered broader investor anxiety amid a deteriorating economic outlook, mounting trade tensions, and continued concern about central bank independence.
This incident marks an unprecedented assertion of executive power over nonpartisan economic institutions and has escalated concerns about politicizing vital economic data.
알파경제 Paul Lee 특파원(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
