Trump Names Heritage’s EJ Antoni to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Trump administration has appointed EJ Antoni, the chief economist of the conservative Heritage Foundation, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This comes after the former head of the agency was fired earlier this month. The BLS is responsible for collecting and publishing data on employment, inflation, and other economic indicators. The appointment of a Heritage Foundation economist to this role has raised concerns about the potential politicization of the agency's data and analysis. Critics argue that the move could undermine the BLS's reputation for impartiality and independence, as the Heritage Foundation is known for its conservative policy positions. However, supporters of the appointment claim that Antoni's expertise will bring a fresh perspective to the agency. The decision reflects the Trump administration's efforts to reshape key government institutions in line with its political agenda. The impact of this appointment on the BLS's work and the public's trust in its data remains to be seen.