Bureau of Labor Statistics workers rally against Trump attacks on jobs data integrity

Federal employees from the Bureau of Labor Statistics held a rally on Sept. 5, 2025.

The rally took place outside the Labor Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Current and former BLS staff, union representatives, and career economists spoke in defense of data integrity.

The President fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer on Aug. 1, 2025.

Officials said the firing followed public disputes over the administration's characterization of jobs data.

McEntarfer is a career economist who led the agency's statistical programs.

The removal prompted public criticism from economists and former officials about political interference.

The BLS reported that payrolls rose by 22,000 in Aug. 2025.

The report was released on Sept. 5, 2025, by the BLS' monthly Employment Situation.

Economists had forecast larger gains, prompting scrutiny and public debate.

The BLS said it will publish routine revisions to prior months, a standard statistical practice.