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A recently dismissed chief of US labor data has now expressed alarm that recent White House moves could undermine the integrity of vital economic institutions.

Firing Seen as Dangerous Precedent

Erika McEntarfer, who was the chief of the federal labor data agency, labeled her sudden dismissal as “concerning” and urged the American people to be aware to possible partisan interference in statistical reporting.

“Markets have to believe that the numbers are not biased,” she stated. “Dismissing chief data officials for publishing numbers you do not like carries serious economic repercussions.”

Statistics Adjustment Came Before Firing

This agency oversees collecting and publishing critical economic figures. In August, it adjusted lower initial employment numbers figures for May and June by more than 250,000. Hours later, McEntarfer was fired.

This marked the initial instance a sitting president has dismissed the leader of the data bureau, raising concern among experts about the future objectivity of the institution.

Proposed Nominee Creates Concerns

Following the firing, the White House has nominated EJ Antoni, an economist affiliated with a right-leaning thinktank and co-author to Project 2025, to lead the bureau. He has previously criticized the BLS and has not received approved by Congress.

Currently, an experienced staff member, William Wiatrowski, is acting as acting head.

Global Cases Show Danger

McEntarfer pointed out that nations such as Argentina, Greece, and Turkey have in the past experienced comparable political meddling in statistical data, resulting in loss of trust, deepened financial crises, higher inflation, and higher borrowing costs.

“Messing with official statistics is like tampering with traffic lights,” she said. “Drivers won't know how to go, traffic backs up. No one thinks it’s good for the nation.”

Budget Reductions and Updates Efforts

Prior to her dismissal, McEntarfer was pushing for updating the agency's data gathering methods. However, funding had reduced, particularly after so-called “efficiency” measures led to a 20% reduction in staff.

She initially expected that once certain shifts in administration, the agency could go back to “routine.” However, she ended up dismissed via a short email from the administration.

Closing Remarks

McEntarfer stressed that up to the moment she was fired, the data released by the bureau were reliable and free from influence. Additionally, she expressed unease about the future of additional key bodies, such as the Federal Reserve, which has likewise received criticism from the current government.

“You ought to be able to live in a country where you do not know who the chief data official is,” she remarked.