President Trump has set a course correction for one of the nation’s most vital agencies. He just announced his intention to appoint E.J. Antoni—the Heritage Foundation’s chief economist—as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, replacing Erika McEntarfer, whom he recently fired after a disappointing jobs report.
“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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST AND ACCURATE.”
Antoni hasn’t just been a Heritage thinker—he’s been a vocal critic of the BLS under Biden. He’s labeled the agency’s output as the product of “phoney baloney” and “the magical world of make-believe,” arguing that its data have drifted far from economic realities.
In his own words on X: “There are better ways to collect, process, and disseminate data – that is the task for the next BLS commissioner, and only consistent delivery of accurate data in a timely manner will rebuild the trust that has been lost over the last several years.”
This nomination isn’t just about one man—it’s about restoring integrity to federal statistics. After years of fiscal misreporting, sluggish data systems, and creeping bureaucratic obfuscation, Americans deserve numbers they can trust. Antoni’s Project 2025 roots and experience at a results-driven conservative think tank signal a return to clear, accountable reporting.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics isn’t just another agency—it drives Wall Street, holds powerful policymakers accountable, and shapes how everyday Americans understand the economy. Ensuring “honest and accurate” data isn’t partisan wish—it’s commonsense governance.
Now the spotlight moves to the Senate, where Antoni’s confirmation hinges on whether lawmakers prioritize accountability, transparency, and reliable economic stewardship—or allow an independent agency to remain in the shadows.
