Trump Picks New Bureau of Labor Statistics Chief

“I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Highly Respected Economist, Dr. E.J. Antoni, as the next Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE,” the president said. “I know E.J. Antoni will do an incredible job in this new role. Congratulations E.J.!”

Trump’s move drew widespread criticism, but Antoni was a vocal defender. Speaking with the Washington Examiner on Aug. 5, he said he was only surprised that such a move had taken so long.

“Just the timing is very unfortunate because it makes it look like you’re just firing the person because you weren’t happy with the numbers as opposed to firing for incompetence, which I think has been the case for a couple of years now,” Antoni said.

Though he disagreed with Trump’s allegation of “shenanigans,” Antoni said he did believe previous job reports were faulty due to “general incompetence.” Antoni pointed to the low survey response as illustrating McEntarfer’s poor performance in the role.