The Trump administration plans to appoint a senior critic to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which may signal reforms.

On August 11, according to The Wall Street Journal, E.J. Antony, chief economist of the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, has emerged as a top candidate for the director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to a senior government official, the Trump administration is interviewing candidates for the BLS director position, including at least one person who has long criticized the agency. Earlier this month, Trump removed the BLS director following the release of a weak employment report, and officials are currently weighing potential successors. E.J. Antony, who is being interviewed, has long questioned the agency's methodology for employment data as the chief economist of The Heritage Foundation. A White House spokesperson stated, "President Trump has selected the best talent to lead the federal government and will announce the new BLS director candidate after a decision is made." The report noted that the White House's consideration of appointing a well-known critic indicates that Trump plans to undertake significant reforms of the agency. ( Jin10 )