Trump Nominates Brett Matsumoto to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has nominated economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The move follows Trump’s criticism of the agency over weak job numbers and the firing of its previous director. Matsumoto is a seasoned federal economist with BLS and White House experience.
Trump’s New BLS Nominee: Quick Looks
- Brett Matsumoto nominated to head Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Matsumoto currently serves on the White House economic team
- Trump previously accused BLS of undermining his administration
- Former nominee E.J. Antoni withdrew after Jan. 6 scrutiny
- Erika McEntarfer was fired after July jobs report
- BLS oversees key labor and inflation data like the CPI
- July jobs number was revised down from 73,000 to 72,000
- Matsumoto expected to “restore greatness,” says Trump
Deep Look: Trump Taps Brett Matsumoto to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics Amid Agency Tensions
President Donald Trump has nominated veteran government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following months of public criticism over the agency’s handling of employment data and the dismissal of its previous commissioner.
Trump made the announcement late Friday on Truth Social, describing Matsumoto as a “Brilliant, Reputable, and Trusted Economist” who would “quickly fix” problems at the agency. The BLS is responsible for producing critical data reports such as the monthly jobs report and the consumer price index (CPI)—cornerstones of how economic performance is measured in the U.S.
A Familiar Face in Federal Economic Circles
Matsumoto brings deep experience in economic analysis, having previously worked as a supervisory research economist at the BLS and most recently as a senior economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisers. His nomination comes amid intense scrutiny of the agency following revisions to employment numbers that appeared to undercut Trump’s economic message.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Trump’s selection of Matsumoto.
Agency Shake-up After Disputed Jobs Reports
The nomination comes after a series of controversial job report revisions that Trump viewed as politically motivated. In August, Trump fired then-BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer after the July jobs report showed only 73,000 jobs added, with prior months revised downward by 258,000. The July number was later revised again—to 72,000.
Trump openly blamed what he called “WEAK and STUPID people” for the agency’s data, insisting the BLS was in need of overhaul. While there is no evidence of intentional bias, the president has maintained that the agency’s actions have harmed public confidence in his economic leadership.
Previous Nominee Withdrawn Amid Controversy
Matsumoto’s nomination follows a failed attempt to install E.J. Antoni, the Heritage Foundation’s chief economist, as BLS director. Antoni’s nomination was withdrawn in September after widespread criticism about his qualifications and an NBC News report placing him among the crowd outside the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The withdrawal marked a setback for the administration’s efforts to shift BLS leadership. Trump has since turned to a candidate with a deeper track record in government economic roles.
What’s at Stake
The BLS is a nonpartisan agency tasked with compiling economic indicators that influence financial markets, public policy, and interest rate decisions. Its data feeds directly into decisions made by the Federal Reserve, Congress, and investors.
Matsumoto’s leadership will likely shape how BLS handles data transparency and public communication amid political pressures. Trump, whose campaign for a third term has emphasized economic revival, appears determined to place trusted allies in key statistical agencies.
While the nomination still requires Senate confirmation, Matsumoto’s existing federal service record may ease that path.
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