The White House has withdrawn President Donald Trump’s nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following weeks of mounting criticism from lawmakers, economists, and market analysts.
Antoni, the chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, had been tapped in August to head the agency, which produces the nation’s official jobs, unemployment, and inflation reports.
His selection immediately sparked controversy over his lack of direct experience in labor statistics and concerns that his political views could compromise the bureau’s independence.
The BLS has long been regarded as one of the federal government’s most trusted and nonpartisan institutions, with its monthly jobs report closely watched by investors, businesses, and policymakers. Critics warned that placing a partisan figure at its helm risked eroding confidence in U.S. economic data.
Antoni faced particular scrutiny for previously suggesting that the agency suspend its monthly jobs reports until methodological changes were made, a proposal that economists said could unsettle markets and disrupt planning by businesses nationwide.
President Trump’s decision to withdraw the nomination comes just weeks after he dismissed former commissioner Erika McEntarfer, following a weaker-than-expected July jobs report. The president claimed, without evidence, that employment data had been “manipulated” to damage his administration.
For now, William Wiatrowski will continue serving as acting BLS commissioner while the administration searches for a replacement nominee. The setback highlights the delicate balance between political oversight and statistical independence at a time when reliable economic data is critical for guiding monetary policy, government planning, and investor confidence.
Analysts say the withdrawal may calm fears of overt politicization at the agency but stress that the choice of the next nominee will be key to restoring stability and trust.
By Bradley Shahenza
