Trump Nominates Brett Matsumoto as New BLS Commissioner Amid Controversy

UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced his pick for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner, nominating Brett Matsumoto, a seasoned economist, following his controversial ousting of former chief Erika McEntarfer in August 2023. This decision comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over the agency’s performance and the accuracy of its job reports.

In a passionate post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the previous leadership of the BLS, labeling them as “WEAK and STUPID,” and accused the agency of delivering “VERY inaccurate numbers” that have harmed American businesses and families. He stated, “That is why I FIRED the former Commissioner, and am pleased to nominate the very talented Brett Matsumoto as the next Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

Matsumoto, who previously served as a Supervisory Research Economist at the BLS, is currently a Senior Economist on the Trump Council of Economic Advisers. Trump praised Matsumoto, calling him “Brilliant, Reputable, and Trusted.” He expressed confidence that Matsumoto could “QUICKLY fix the long history of issues at the BLS on behalf of the American People.”

The BLS has faced significant turmoil since the ousting of McEntarfer, particularly after a disappointing jobs report was released that Trump claimed was “rigged” against him. In a rare move, the agency announced it would not release the October jobs report—the first time in 12 years that such a report has been withheld. This unprecedented action raised alarms about the integrity of the federal statistical system, prompting warnings from the White House that the fallout from the ongoing government shutdown could lead to “permanent damage.”

As Trump moves forward with his appointment, the implications for the BLS and its role in shaping economic policy are significant. The agency’s credibility is under scrutiny, and Matsumoto’s leadership will be closely watched by policymakers and the public alike.

What happens next? The confirmation process for Matsumoto will begin shortly, and all eyes will be on how this new appointment will influence future economic reports. The urgency surrounding this situation highlights the critical nature of accurate economic data in the current climate, making it a pivotal moment for American economic policy.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.