White House Pulls Antoni’s Nomination for Head of BLS

Key Takeaways:

• The White House withdrew EJ Antoni’s nomination to head the BLS.
• The leadership of the Bureau of Labor Statistics is in disarray.
• President Donald Trump fired the former commissioner, adding to turbulence.
• The BLS is a vital agency for producing national economic data.
• Bloomberg published this story on September 30, 2025.

A Sudden Change in Plans

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, considered by experts as a cornerstone of U.S. economic reporting, now finds itself without a permanent leader yet again. The White House’s abrupt withdrawal of EJ Antoni’s nomination to head the agency has created fresh uncertainty about who will guide the BLS going forward.

Background on the BLS

As the nation’s primary resource for labor market data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a critical role in shaping both economic policy and public understanding. Its reports on employment, earnings, and productivity are fundamental to economic planning, making stable leadership essential for accurate and unbiased information.

Leadership Turmoil

The BLS’s leadership woes intensified after President Donald Trump fired the former commissioner, leaving a vacancy at the top. Antoni’s nomination was seen as the next step toward filling that gap. Now, with the White House decision to pull his candidacy, the agency again faces an extended period of uncertainty.

Implications for Economic Reporting

Though no specific reasons for withdrawing Antoni’s nomination have been detailed publicly, any disruption in leadership at such a pivotal agency raises concerns. Reliable labor statistics guide policy choices and influence national priorities. The White House’s move heightens questions about how soon a new nominee might be put forth and who will ultimately steer the BLS.