Trump Nominates Brett Matsumoto To Lead Bureau Of Labor Statistics
President Trump nominated Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics after firing the prior commissioner amid disputed July jobs figures.
Joe.My.God.Trump Nominates "Reputable Economist" To Replace "Weak And Stupid" Head Of Labor Statistics Bureau
HuffPostTrump Picks Veteran Economist To Replace Fired Bureau Of Labor Statistics Chief
NBC NewsTrump names veteran economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics after firing agency's chief
CBS NewsTrump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics after firing a prior commissioner
Overview
President Donald Trump nominated Brett Matsumoto to be Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announcing the pick on Truth Social on Friday.
Trump fired former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in August after a July report showed 73,000 jobs added and a later revision to 72,000, a dispute Trump said reflected 'rigged' data, according to his post.
Omair Sharif and Skanda Amarnath publicly endorsed Matsumoto's technical experience and 10+ years at BLS, while critics noted the White House withdrew E.J. Antoni's nomination in September amid controversy, according to public statements and records.
Records show Matsumoto worked at BLS from 2015 in the price-index measurement division and currently serves as a senior economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and he would replace acting Commissioner William Wiatrowski if confirmed.
The White House said it will send Matsumoto's nomination to the Senate for confirmation, and analysts said he will face hearings and scrutiny over BLS independence and upcoming CPI and jobs releases.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story skeptically: they foreground that there is no evidence the BLS sought to undermine Trump, emphasize job-report revisions and the firing of the BLS director, and note the withdrawn, controversial nominee and Jan. 6 connection. They juxtapose Trump’s accusatory social-media language with factual context to cast doubt.