White House Withdraws E.J. Antoni's Nomination to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
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White House Withdraws E.J. Antoni's Nomination to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Summary

The Trump administration has withdrawn the nomination of E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics following widespread criticism of his qualifications and partisan views.

The Trump administration has withdrawn the nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following widespread criticism regarding his qualifications and perceived partisanship. A White House official confirmed the withdrawal, stating that President Trump would announce a new nominee soon.

Antoni, currently the chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, was nominated in August after President Trump dismissed former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, alleging—without evidence—that she manipulated employment data to the administration's detriment.

The nomination faced bipartisan criticism. Economists expressed concerns over Antoni's lack of experience in statistical analysis and his history of criticizing the BLS. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and other Republican senators reportedly voiced reservations, contributing to the decision to withdraw the nomination.

The BLS, an independent agency within the Department of Labor, is responsible for producing key economic data, including monthly employment and inflation reports. The withdrawal of Antoni's nomination comes amid a government shutdown, which has delayed the release of the September jobs report.

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, defended Antoni, stating that he "continues to be one of the sharpest economic minds in the country" and emphasizing the need for reform within the BLS.

Source

NPR

First reported

President Trump Nominates E.J. Antoni to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics

• CNN

Fact-checking

Fact-check the facts of the article using external sources and databases.

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Confirmed

The Trump administration has withdrawn the nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Confirmed

E.J. Antoni is currently the chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation.

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Confirmed

President Trump dismissed former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, alleging—without evidence—that she manipulated employment data to the administration's detriment.

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Confirmed

The nomination faced bipartisan criticism.

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Confirmed

Economists expressed concerns over Antoni's lack of experience in statistical analysis and his history of criticizing the BLS.

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Partly Confirmed

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and other Republican senators reportedly voiced reservations, contributing to the decision to withdraw the nomination.

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Confirmed

The BLS, an independent agency within the Department of Labor, is responsible for producing key economic data, including monthly employment and inflation reports.

✓
Confirmed

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, defended Antoni, stating that he 'continues to be one of the sharpest economic minds in the country' and emphasizing the need for reform within the BLS.

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