Trump fires lead official on economic data as tariffs cause market drop

August 2, 2025

President Donald Trump has fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), after the agency reported weaker-than-expected July job figures and significant downward revisions to previous months' data. Trump claimed without evidence that McEntarfer had "RIGGED" the numbers to make Republicans look bad, triggering widespread criticism that he was politicizing an independent economic agency. The firing came amid growing concerns about Trump's expanded tariff policies, which economists are connecting to the labor market's deterioration.

Who is affected

Erika McEntarfer, the fired commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics as an institution and its staff
American workers and job seekers reflected in the disappointing employment data
Investors and financial markets reacting to both the job numbers and the firing
Small businesses particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts
The American public who relies on accurate economic data

What action is being taken

Trump is firing the BLS commissioner over unfavorable job statistics
William Wiatrowski, deputy commissioner, is stepping into the role during the search for a replacement
Trump is implementing new tariffs on imported goods from countries worldwide, ranging from 10% to 50%
The Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady until it sees the full impact of tariffs
Stock markets are responding with significant declines following the job report and tariff announcements

Why it matters

The firing undermines the integrity and independence of government economic data
Economic experts warn this politicization destroys public trust in official statistics
The weak job numbers (73,000 jobs added versus 109,000 forecast) suggest economic trouble
The substantial downward revision of 250,000 jobs from previous months indicates a deteriorating labor market
Trump's tariff policies are creating economic uncertainty that may be harming employment
The incident represents an unprecedented political interference in an independent statistical agency

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC