In a sudden decision, U.S. President Trump fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, sparking concern over the integrity of economic data. The dismissal followed revelations that job growth figures for May and June were overestimated by approximately 258,000 positions.
The BLS, long a trusted source of employment and inflation data, has also been weakened by budget cuts, hiring freezes, and outdated methodologies. Economists across the country are urging Congress to restore funding and independence to preserve public confidence.
This situation underscores the importance of transparent institutions—a lesson closely watched in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, where shifts in data governance could significantly impact public trust and policy.
