Summary
The White House faced two setbacks in its efforts to control key economic positions. It withdrew its nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics and faced a Supreme Court block on removing a Federal Reserve governor. These events highlight limits to executive control over independent economic agencies.
Key Facts
- The White House withdrew E.J. Antoni's nomination for the Bureau of Labor Statistics due to concerns about his qualifications and controversial social media activity.
- The Supreme Court temporarily blocked President Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook from her position at the Federal Reserve.
- The Supreme Court indicated that the Federal Reserve requires independence from the executive branch, though it did not fully explain why.
- Trump has been able to remove heads of other independent agencies but faces challenges with the BLS and Federal Reserve due to their valued independence.
- Economic data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is seen as credible when free from political influence.
- The Federal Reserve is trusted for its independence from political control, as supported by former heads of the institution.
- The Supreme Court plans to hear oral arguments on the case regarding Lisa Cook's removal early next year.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics is not releasing data due to a federal government shutdown.
