Reinstate BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer: Protect Factual Economic Data
Reinstate BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer: Protect Factual Economic Data
The Issue
In a deeply troubling move, President Donald Trump fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the nonpartisan commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), simply because he didn’t like the latest jobs report. This action isn’t just unfair—it’s dangerous.
Dr. McEntarfer, a respected economist with decades of public service, was unanimously praised by experts from across the political spectrum. She was confirmed as BLS Commissioner in January 2024 by a bipartisan 86-8 Senate vote—including support from now–Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Her work has always prioritized accuracy and integrity over politics. But when the BLS published a report showing weaker-than-expected job growth, President Trump publicly accused McEntarfer—without any evidence—of rigging the numbers and had her removed.
This baseless accusation undermines the very institution Americans rely on to tell the truth about our economy. The BLS has been a trusted source of economic data for over 140 years. Its work helps guide decisions made by the Federal Reserve, state and local governments, private businesses, and everyday citizens. Politicizing this data—by punishing those who report it honestly—threatens the credibility of our entire economic system.
Experts who’ve worked with McEntarfer confirm she never played politics. She told the truth, even when it was inconvenient. That’s exactly what the American people need from their public servants.
Firing someone because they reported facts that challenge political narratives is authoritarian behavior. It sends a chilling message to every government scientist, statistician, and economist: tell the truth, and you’re out.
We call on President Trump to immediately reverse this decision and reinstate Erika McEntarfer as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We further urge Congress to strengthen protections for the independence of federal statistical agencies.
Our democracy depends on facts—and the people brave enough to report them. Stand with us in defending truth, transparency, and accountability in government.
Sign now to demand Dr. McEntarfer's reinstatement and protect the integrity of economic data.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
483
The Issue
In a deeply troubling move, President Donald Trump fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the nonpartisan commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), simply because he didn’t like the latest jobs report. This action isn’t just unfair—it’s dangerous.
Dr. McEntarfer, a respected economist with decades of public service, was unanimously praised by experts from across the political spectrum. She was confirmed as BLS Commissioner in January 2024 by a bipartisan 86-8 Senate vote—including support from now–Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Her work has always prioritized accuracy and integrity over politics. But when the BLS published a report showing weaker-than-expected job growth, President Trump publicly accused McEntarfer—without any evidence—of rigging the numbers and had her removed.
This baseless accusation undermines the very institution Americans rely on to tell the truth about our economy. The BLS has been a trusted source of economic data for over 140 years. Its work helps guide decisions made by the Federal Reserve, state and local governments, private businesses, and everyday citizens. Politicizing this data—by punishing those who report it honestly—threatens the credibility of our entire economic system.
Experts who’ve worked with McEntarfer confirm she never played politics. She told the truth, even when it was inconvenient. That’s exactly what the American people need from their public servants.
Firing someone because they reported facts that challenge political narratives is authoritarian behavior. It sends a chilling message to every government scientist, statistician, and economist: tell the truth, and you’re out.
We call on President Trump to immediately reverse this decision and reinstate Erika McEntarfer as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We further urge Congress to strengthen protections for the independence of federal statistical agencies.
Our democracy depends on facts—and the people brave enough to report them. Stand with us in defending truth, transparency, and accountability in government.
Sign now to demand Dr. McEntarfer's reinstatement and protect the integrity of economic data.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
483
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Petition created on August 4, 2025