Who is E.J. Antoni? Meet the new nominee for BLS Commissioner
E.J. Antoni nominated as BLS head. Credit: Texas Public Policy Foundation
In a bold political move, President Donald Trump has nominated E.J. Antoni, a conservative economist and chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, to serve as the next commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With the firing of his predecessor amid controversy, Antoni’s appointment raises critical questions about economic data integrity and what lies ahead for the agency.
Background, Credentials, and Track Record: Who Is E.J. Antoni?
Dr. E.J. Antoni, formally Erwin John Antoni III, earned his Ph.D. in economics from Northern Illinois University in 2020 . At just 37 years old, Antoni now serves as chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, a role he assumed in May 2025 . He is also a contributor to the conservative Project 2025 initiative.
Antoni has built a reputation as a vocal critic of the BLS. He has publicly characterized the agency’s methodology as flawed, calling its output a “random number generator” and accusing it of producing “phony” data that doesn’t align with public sentiment. On Steve Bannon’s podcast, he even suggested that the absence of loyal MAGA-aligned leadership at BLS undercut data reliability.
Proponents say Antoni’s critiques, spotlighting the agency’s outdated methods and data revisions, demonstrate his drive to rebuild public trust with honest, timely reporting . But critics argue his overtly political posture and lack of technical experience make him a controversial, potentially polarizing pick.
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What to Expect If E.J. Antoni Assumes Office
1. Data Reform and Transparency Push
Antoni has pledged to overhaul how the BLS collects and shares labor and inflation data, aiming to reduce opaque revisions and increase clarity.
2. Independence vs. Influence
Observers fear the politicization of a traditionally nonpartisan agency. Antoni’s political ties, especially through Project 2025 and Heritage, could challenge BLS’s credibility.
3. Senate Confirmation Under Scrutiny
Before stepping into the role, Antoni must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Even some Republican lawmakers have expressed concern over potential impacts on BLS’s integrity.
4. Market and Policy Impact
As head of BLS, Antoni would influence inflation and employment data that directly affects Federal Reserve decisions, investor confidence, and economic policymaking both domestically and internationally.
E.J. Antoni’s nomination signals a potential shift in how economic data might be shaped and presented. His push for “honest and accurate” reporting may resonate with supporters of transparency, but critics worry about the erosion of BLS’s traditional independence. The outcome of Antoni’s confirmation and early tenure will be pivotal for Americans monitoring trust in core economic statistics.