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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has nominated Brett Matsumoto to serve as the next commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a key federal agency responsible for producing critical data on employment, inflation, and broader economic trends. The nomination comes months after Trump abruptly removed the agency’s former commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, following the release of unexpectedly weak U.S. jobs data that rattled financial markets.
McEntarfer, who had been appointed by former President Joe Biden, was dismissed in August after the BLS published a labor market report showing slower-than-expected job growth. At the time, Trump accused her, without presenting evidence, of manipulating employment figures, claiming the data misrepresented the true state of the U.S. economy. The firing sparked debate among economists and policymakers over the independence of federal statistical agencies and the role of political pressure in economic reporting.
In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump expressed strong confidence in Matsumoto’s ability to restore credibility and efficiency at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “I am confident that Brett has the expertise to quickly fix the long history of issues at the BLS on behalf of the American people,” Trump wrote, emphasizing speed and reform as central goals of the nomination.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a crucial role in shaping economic policy and market expectations, as its reports on employment, wages, consumer prices, and productivity are closely watched by investors, businesses, and lawmakers. Any leadership change at the agency is therefore likely to attract heightened scrutiny, particularly given recent controversy surrounding the accuracy and interpretation of labor market data.
Brett Matsumoto’s nomination signals Trump’s intent to reshape the leadership of economic institutions as he continues to emphasize job growth, labor market strength, and transparency in federal data. If confirmed, Matsumoto will face the immediate challenge of rebuilding trust in the BLS while ensuring that future economic reports are viewed as credible, independent, and free from political influence.
