The White House withdraws Trump’s controversial nominee to lead BLS after weeks of mounting backlash and growing concerns in the Senate, officials confirmed Tuesday. The decision ends the short-lived nomination of economist E.J. Antoni, who faced scrutiny for inflammatory online posts and partisan rhetoric.
Background of the Withdrawal
President Donald Trump announced Antoni as his pick to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in August after ousting the previous commissioner, Erika McEntarfer. Trump accused McEntarfer of “rigging” jobs data following a disappointing July report, though no evidence supported the claim.
The White House withdraws Trump’s controversial nominee to lead BLS partly due to resistance within his own party. Sources confirmed that GOP Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski declined to meet with Antoni, signaling trouble for his confirmation chances.
Controversy Over Antoni’s Online Posts
CNN’s KFile investigation revealed that Antoni operated a since-deleted Twitter account filled with derogatory remarks about women, crude insults aimed at President Trump’s critics, and conspiracy theories about U.S. institutions. Some of his posts included degrading attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris and offensive comments toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Although Antoni positioned himself publicly as a watchdog for government accountability, the revelations severely undermined his credibility. It was against this backdrop that the White House withdraws Trump’s controversial nominee to lead BLS, according to multiple insiders.
Senate Pushback
Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, declined to confirm whether the withdrawal had been communicated to him. However, he noted that Antoni’s hearing had never been scheduled — an indication the nomination was unlikely to advance.
“Well, you obviously notice people you’re sure you got the votes for,” Cassidy remarked, suggesting the administration lacked sufficient support for Antoni.
White House Statement
Despite the withdrawal, the White House praised Antoni in a statement Tuesday night.
“Dr. E.J. Antoni is a brilliant economist and an American patriot that will continue to do good work on behalf of our great country,” a spokesperson said, adding that Trump would soon announce a new nominee.
The administration maintained that the BLS required reform, arguing that recent data revisions had undermined public confidence in the agency.
Concerns Over Politicization
Trump’s decision to remove McEntarfer and nominate Antoni fueled concerns about politicization of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a traditionally independent agency. Established in 1884, the BLS provides vital economic data — including monthly jobs reports — that influence markets, business decisions, and federal policy.
While jobs data revisions are routine, Trump claimed they represented manipulation. Economists warned that such allegations, paired with Antoni’s nomination, risked eroding trust in the nation’s economic indicators.
By Tuesday, as the White House withdraws Trump’s controversial nominee to lead BLS, critics said the episode highlighted broader attempts to politicize independent institutions.
Heritage Foundation Reaction
Antoni, who serves as chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, will remain in that position despite the failed nomination.
Kevin Roberts, Heritage Foundation president, defended him, saying:
“It is undeniable that BLS needs reform and E.J. was the right man for the job. He will continue serving the American people from his invaluable role at Heritage.”
Looking Ahead
The administration has not yet disclosed who will replace Antoni as Trump’s new nominee for the BLS leadership. However, political observers expect the White House to prioritize a candidate with stronger bipartisan appeal to avoid another high-profile withdrawal.
For now, the White House withdraws Trump’s controversial nominee to lead BLS, ending a turbulent chapter that spotlighted the delicate balance between independence and politics in U.S. economic institutions.
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