Trump’s BLS Pick Proposes Halting Monthly Jobs Report Amid Data Concerns

President Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, E.J. Antoni, has proposed suspending the monthly jobs report until its methodology is “corrected.” Antoni, currently chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, argued that the reliability of the data has been undermined by frequent large revisions and falling survey participation, eroding trust among businesses and policymakers.

The White House has said the monthly report remains scheduled, but the proposal has fueled debate over how economic data should be collected and released.

Data Integrity Versus Market Visibility

Antoni has suggested shifting toward less frequent but more accurate quarterly labor figures. His remarks follow a series of unusually large downward revisions to recent employment data, a trend partly attributed to weaker survey response rates since the pandemic. Economists warn that suspending monthly releases would deprive markets and the Federal Reserve of a critical gauge for setting policy and expectations.

Divisive Reactions and Institutional Trust

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from across the economic spectrum, with concerns centering on both Antoni’s partisan background and the risk of undermining the credibility of one of the government’s most closely watched reports. Critics argue that sidelining monthly labor data could erode transparency, fuel uncertainty, and complicate decision-making for investors and policymakers alike.

Policy Trade-Offs and Market Impact

Halting the jobs report could heighten volatility in equities, bonds, and currencies—all of which depend heavily on timely labor market indicators. The upcoming confirmation process is expected to probe Antoni’s stance and the broader question of how the BLS can maintain credibility under political pressure.

Tips for Traders

• Follow policy signals closely: Comments from BLS leadership or the White House can shift market expectations.

• Adjust to higher uncertainty: Reduced data flow may increase market sensitivity to alternative indicators.

• Hedge macro exposure: Safe-haven assets like Treasuries and gold may help offset volatility.

• Use private-sector data sources: Employment surveys and wage trackers could fill gaps in official reporting.

• Watch confirmation hearings: The process may provide clues about future policy and data releases.

• Target volatility opportunities: Labor-sensitive sectors such as consumer cyclicals and financials could see sharper moves.