UPDATE: The White House has just withdrawn the nomination of E.J. Antoni as head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) following a wave of backlash over his controversial social media history. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, with paperwork sent to the Senate, marking a significant shift in the appointment process.
Antoni, a 37-year-old economist affiliated with the Heritage Foundation, was initially announced by Donald Trump in August to replace former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. However, criticism erupted across the political spectrum after reports surfaced detailing Antoni’s offensive online posts dating back over a decade.
In a lengthy post on X, Antoni expressed disappointment, suggesting that “elected officials who lack the courage to support” necessary reforms were to blame. He emphasized the need for accurate economic data delivery, stating, “Americans voted to reform the failed status quo of the D.C. Swamp.”
While thanking Trump and supportive senators, Antoni did not directly address the backlash from his past as an online troll, which included derogatory remarks about public figures such as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. His controversial remarks have sparked outrage, with critics highlighting his history of inflammatory comments, including a conspiracy theory involving Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Antoni’s nomination came after Trump claimed the BLS had “rigged” job report figures in July. His ideas for reform included reducing the frequency of job reports, advocating for more accurate quarterly data instead.
The White House has yet to comment on the specific reasons for the withdrawal but has confirmed that a new nominee will be announced soon. A White House official praised Antoni as a “brilliant economist and an American patriot,” emphasizing Trump’s commitment to addressing the BLS’s longstanding issues that have eroded public trust in economic data.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming announcement for the new BLS head. The implications of this withdrawal not only affect the BLS but also highlight the ongoing tensions within the current administration regarding transparency and accountability in economic reporting.
Stay tuned for more updates on this significant political shift.
