Who is Brett Matsumoto, Trump’s pick to lead the BLS?

Big changes are possibly ahead for the Bureau of Labor Statistics as President Donald Trump announced Friday night he will nominate Brett Matsumoto. He fired Erika McEntarfer back in August following a poor hiring report.

Trump took to social media to make the announcement. He said the BLS has been failing American businesses, policymakers and families with inaccurate numbers.

“I am confident that Brett has the expertise to QUICKLY fix the long history of issues at the BLS on behalf of the American People,” Trump said.

Matsumoto holds a doctorate in economics from the University of North Carolina. The Washington Post said he is a senior economist on Trump’s Council of Economic Advisers and is currently on leave from the BLS.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Matsumoto started his career at the agency back in 2015. Since then, his focus has been on how the BLS calculates inflation. Matsumoto also helped write pieces of the BLS’ handbook about inflation-measurement techniques. 

Matsumoto is Trump’s second pick since August to lead the BLS. Shortly after the firing of  McEntarfer the president announced he would appoint E.J. Antoni. However, he withdrew the nomination after it faced bipartisan criticism.

If confirmed, Matsumoto will replace acting Commissioner William Wiatrowski.

What is the BLS?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is responsible for collecting and publishing economic statistics. The bureau measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. This data is essential to the public, employers, researchers and government organizations.

In 1884, the Bureau of Labor was established in the Department of Interior. For a short time it operated as an independent department.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics became part of the newly created Department of Labor in 1903. However, the BLS operates independently. The nonpartisan staff reports to the appointed commissioner.

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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

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