In a move that has stirred wide debate in political and economic circles, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, August 11, 2025, the appointment of conservative economist E.J. Antoni, chief economist at the Heritage Foundation and one of his most prominent supporters, as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This decision follows the sudden dismissal of former commissioner Erika McEntarfer, whom Trump — without providing evidence — accused of “rigging the numbers” after the release of the July jobs report, which showed weaker-than-expected performance.

Antoni, known for his critical stance toward the bureau, has previously stated that frequent revisions to jobs data have negatively impacted public trust, affirming his intention to introduce reforms to ensure “accuracy and transparency” in official economic statistics.

Antoni is set to assume his duties upon Senate confirmation of his nomination, amid expectations of opposition from Democrats and economists who fear the politicization of labor and inflation data.