White House Withdraws Controversial BLS Nominee E. J. Antoni Amid Scrutiny and Weak Jobs Data
The White House withdrew E. J. Antoni's nomination for BLS Commissioner due to offensive social media posts and insufficient Senate support, following President Trump's firing of the previous commissioner.
BBC NewsTrump pulls pick to lead US jobs data agency
Washington ExaminerWhite House pulls Trump BLS nominee from consideration
Daily CallerTrump Reportedly Withdraws Nomination Of Conservative Economist For Labor Stats Chief
NBC NewsWhite House withdraws E.J. Antoni's nomination to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Overview
President Trump fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August, citing a weak jobs report and accusing her of manipulating data without evidence.
Trump then nominated E. J. Antoni, a conservative economist who had criticized the BLS, to gain control over the federal agency producing key economic data.
Antoni's nomination was officially withdrawn from the Senate on Tuesday after reports revealed his offensive social media posts, including attacks on Kamala Harris.
Further scrutiny highlighted Antoni's presence outside the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, protests and a controversial TV interview backdrop featuring Nazi-era art.
The White House announced it would soon nominate a new candidate, praising Antoni as a talented economist despite the withdrawal due to insufficient Senate support.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the withdrawal of E.J. Antoni's nomination by emphasizing his perceived lack of credibility and partisan nature. They highlight concerns from economists about his qualifications and problematic associations, such as his presence at Jan. 6 and controversial wall art. The narrative suggests his nomination was a politically motivated attempt by Trump to control economic data.