The Biden administration has officially withdrawn the nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), according to a source familiar with the decision who spoke on the condition of anonymity. This move, which has not yet been publicly announced by the White House, was formalized when the Senate received the paperwork for the withdrawal on Tuesday.
While the White House has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter, the implications of this decision raise significant concerns about the future of the BLS and the qualifications of potential nominees. Antoni’s nomination had already drawn skepticism due to his track record, which included an unrecanted recession prediction in 2022 and a series of questionable claims regarding economic data. Critics pointed out that he struggled to adequately explain his alternative deflators and had a fundamental misunderstanding of BLS import price indexes. Additionally, he referenced a century of GDP data despite only having 75 years of relevant information available.
The withdrawal of Antoni’s nomination is being met with a mix of relief and apprehension. Advocates for economic accuracy and transparency celebrate the decision, viewing it as a necessary step to ensure that the bureau is led by someone with a robust understanding of economic indicators and data. However, there is a prevailing fear that former President Donald Trump could nominate someone even less qualified to the position, raising alarms about the potential direction of the BLS under such leadership.
Further complicating matters, critics have pointed out that Antoni’s aesthetic choices—such as displaying a painting of the Bismarck in a place of honor—have led some to question his judgment and suitability for a role that is crucial to the accurate reporting of economic statistics in the United States. The BLS plays a vital role in measuring aspects of the economy, including employment rates, inflation, and productivity, which are essential for informing policy decisions and public discourse.
As the Biden administration seeks to fill this important position, the stakes remain high. The appointment of a qualified individual to lead the BLS is critical not only for the integrity of economic data but also for restoring public trust in government institutions tasked with reporting and analyzing economic conditions. The future of the bureau hangs in the balance as we await the next nomination, with hopes that the administration will prioritize expertise and credibility in its selection process.
