Story perspectives

Labor Department Investigates BLS Data Amid Job Revisions

9/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General is examining the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) data collection methods for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI).
This review follows a downward revision of 911,000 jobs for the year ending March 2025.
The investigation was prompted by President Trump's dismissal of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over concerns of political bias in data accuracy.
The review seeks to improve the integrity of economic data collection and reporting.
Concerns about BLS data integrity have raised issues regarding public trust and economic stability.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. faced a severe economic crisis in 1980, with inflation soaring to 10.3% and unemployment rising, prompting reforms at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This scrutiny of data collection methods has resurfaced following President Trump's dismissal of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, raising concerns about political influence on economic data and the importance of maintaining data integrity for public trust and economic stability.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General is examining the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) data collection methods for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI).
This review follows a downward revision of 911,000 jobs for the year ending March 2025.
The investigation was prompted by President Trump's dismissal of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over concerns of political bias in data accuracy.
The review seeks to improve the integrity of economic data collection and reporting.
Concerns about BLS data integrity have raised issues regarding public trust and economic stability.

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