Trump Fires BLS Commissioner After Weak Jobs Report, Despite Veteran Unemployment Gains

President Donald Trump has dismissed Dr. Erika McEntarfer from her position as commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This decision comes on the heels of a lackluster July. The jobs report highlighted substantial downward revisions to previously reported job gains in recent months, while employment figures for U.S. veterans showed improvement.

On Friday, Trump took to Truth Social to allege that McEntarfer, a Biden appointee, had distorted jobs data in 2023 to advantage then–Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. “Accurate job numbers are essential,” Trump stated. “I have instructed my team to terminate this Biden political appointee without delay.” An individual with greater competence and qualifications will fill her position.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed a significant development: they greatly exaggerated the previously reported job growth figures for May and June. The revised statistics indicate that only 19,000 jobs were added in May, a sharp decline from the initial estimate of 144,000, while June saw an addition of just 14,000 jobs, down from 147,000. 

In July, the economy experienced a modest increase of just 73,000 jobs, with a significant 75% of these gains occurring within the healthcare sector, prompting concerns about the overall economic landscape.

Surprisingly, the veteran unemployment rate dropped from 3.7% in June to 3.0% in July. In a notable shift, the joblessness rate for post-9/11 veterans has decreased from 3.8% to 3.1%, providing a beacon of optimism in a time of market uncertainty.

“This trend highlights the lasting appreciation that employers have for veterans,” stated Kevin Rasch, a former Navy commander and Warriors to Work regional director at the Wounded Warrior Project. “Amidst economic turbulence, veterans continue to secure and maintain their employment.”

The unemployment rate has risen slightly from 4.1% to 4.2%, leading experts such as Heather Long from Navy Federal Credit Union to caution that “the labor market is deteriorating quickly,” with ongoing trade uncertainties potentially worsening the situation.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted by more than 600 points by midday, causing a dramatic downturn in the markets.

In a recent statement, White House economic adviser Stephen Miran recognized the influence of tariff concerns while forecasting a period of stability on the horizon. “The jobs report leaves much to be desired—there’s simply no denying that,” he stated. “However, we are forging trade agreements at an impressive pace.” 

Things are set to improve from this point onward.

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