Summary
The US Labor Department's internal watchdog has started an investigation into how it collects job and inflation data after criticism from the White House. This follows a revision of job figures showing weaker growth than first reported, along with concerns over data collection quality. The investigation aims to address these challenges and improve transparency.
Key Facts
- The Labor Department's inspector general is reviewing how job and inflation data is collected.
- The review follows revisions that showed the US created 911,000 fewer jobs than earlier estimates in the year up to March.
- President Trump removed the previous head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accusing her of manipulating job numbers.
- Concerns have been raised about lower response rates affecting survey quality.
- Economists are worried about potential political influence on economic data.
- Trump nominated EJ Antoni, known for partisan views, as the new head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- There have been cuts to expert panels and price data collection, blamed on budget and staffing issues.
- The inspector general previously found that the Bureau of Labor Statistics could improve data quality and transparency.
