Letters

On Friday, August 1, President Donald Trump fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer, a nonpolitical, well-respected labor economist. Why was she fired? Because her agency published data that showed U.S. employment growth is slowing.

The president didn’t provide any specific alternative data. It seems he couldn’t tolerate that someone in his administration would publish information showing that his economic policies may not be working well. Trump posted on social media: “The Economy is BOOMING under ‘TRUMP.’” (His capitalization.)

Several former BLS commissioners, even those who served under Republican administrations, said the firing was groundless.

Unfortunately, the response to anyone who provides contrary positions or disagrees with Trump is to attack them. Silencing experts who provide findings that Donald Trump doesn’t like has terrible long-term consequences for the nation.

For a free, capitalist society to succeed, the populous must have access to accurate data and facts. By firing the BLS commissioner, thousands of other government officials and researchers will fear publishing findings that may be contrary to Trump’s positions.

This type of retaliatory dismissal has far-reaching implications. Will businesses be willing to invest in expansion based on future government reports? Will we, as citizens, believe future government reports, especially those that paint a rosy picture? Donald Trump is destroying the public’s trust in any data the government puts out.

An intelligent, adult leader, when faced with worrisome data, does not fire the messenger. Even if you question the data, you bring in other experts and review the findings. But this firing is consistent with Donald Trump’s past behavior: He always knows best, he disrespects expertise, and he attacks those who disagree with him.

The BLS report raises real questions as to whether the Trump economic policies are working. The BLS reported that the economy added 36,000 jobs per month from May to July 2025. Under Joe Biden, the economy added an average of 186,000 jobs per month in 2024.

The BLS commissioner does not personally make the estimate; the BLS uses a comprehensive process developed over more than a century. There may be ways to improve the process, but firing the commissioner is not a prudent response.

It is frustrating to see Trump continuing to erode the public’s trust in the federal government by discrediting its experts and professionals. A handful of courageous congressional Republicans could stop the worst abuses of power. They could start by holding hearings.

Here on Long Island, we can express our concern by voting for Democrats in upcoming local elections. As for now, we need to interpret federal data with a good deal of skepticism — especially data promoted by Donald Trump.

Edward Salsberg

East Quogue