Trump’s Politicization of BLS Marks an Attack on Our Economy and Democracy

Dēmos president Taifa Smith Butler released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s dismissal of Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): 

BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer was simply doing her job. For that, she was fired.

“BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, a dedicated public servant for more than two decades, was simply doing her job: leading the BLS in its mission to factually and accurately measure labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy, as well as overseeing the dissemination of critical economic data in the latest jobs report. For that, she was fired. Instead of processing the consequences of his economic policy decisions and their impact on the labor market, Trump cries foul because the truth makes him look bad and doesn’t align with the false narrative he wants to feed the American public.  
 
“Trump and his enablers have implemented an extreme and destabilizing economic agenda, from the global trade war and tariffs to the decimation of the federal government by cutting more than 150,000 workers and millions of dollars in federal grants that fuel academic, scientific, and public health research. Those economic shocks and adjustments to the labor market continue to be assessed as employers reveal how they are navigating the effects.

It’s because of timely and truthful data that we know how much Trump’s economic policies are failing the majority of Americans.

“At Dēmos, we make meaning of the economy for our grassroots allies through timely and accurate research and analysis. Having access to accurate information about our economy’s health is essential for the work we are doing to build a country in which there is economic security and mobility for all. It’s because of timely and truthful data that we know how much Trump’s economic policies are failing the majority of Americans—especially Black and brown workers. Sweeping that problem under a rug by firing those who tell truth to power won’t make it go away.”

“Trump’s attack on the BLS and, more broadly, on facts, isn’t just a threat to our economy. His actions mark another step closer to authoritarianism. The president has once again politicized an apolitical institution and, in doing so, sent a signal that he will punish anyone who seeks to hold him and his administration to account by telling the truth about his damaging policies. And if his sycophants, those who do his bidding, take control of data reporting and other media venues, the American public will have to contend with propaganda coming out of the White House—which is the actual fake news. This is dangerous for us all.
 

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Dēmos is a non-profit public policy organization working to build a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy and economy. We work hand in hand to build power with and for Black and brown communities, forging strategic alliances with grassroots and state-based organizations.