Trump Announces Brett Matsumoto Nomination for BLS Leadership Role
In a significant development for American economic governance, former US President Donald Trump revealed on Friday his intention to nominate Brett Matsumoto as the next commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This crucial position has remained vacant since August of last year, creating uncertainty within the agency responsible for key economic indicators.
Trump's Strong Critique of BLS Performance
Through a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump delivered a scathing assessment of the BLS, characterizing it as a "troubled agency" that has suffered under what he described as "WEAK and STUPID people" for many years. The former president asserted that the bureau has been "FAILING American Businesses, Policymakers, and Families" by releasing what he claims are "VERY inaccurate numbers."
Trump explained his decision, stating: "That is why I FIRED the former Commissioner, and am pleased to nominate the very talented Brett Matsumoto as the next Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). I am confident that Brett has the expertise to QUICKLY fix the long history of issues at the BLS on behalf of the American People."
Who Is Brett Matsumoto?
Brett Matsumoto represents Trump's second attempt to fill this important leadership position. The nomination requires further approval from the Senate before Matsumoto can assume the role officially. In the interim period, William Wiatrowski, a longtime BLS veteran, has been serving as acting commissioner.
Matsumoto's professional background includes:
- Earning his doctorate in economics from the University of North Carolina in 2015
- Joining the BLS that same year and working continuously within the government office
- Serving within the Division of Price and Index Number Research, focusing on inflation measurement
- Most recently conducting research related to the nuanced measurement of inflation
Trump highlighted Matsumoto's credentials, noting: "Brett was a Supervisory Research Economist for the BLS, but is now serving as a Senior Economist on the Trump Council of Economic Advisers, like he did in my First Term." Matsumoto has been on leave from the BLS to serve at the White House Council of Economic Advisers in this senior economist capacity.
Expert Recognition and Professional Reputation
Within statistical circles, Matsumoto is known as a "data nerd" who has been active on social media platforms, frequently writing about the complexities and nuances of statistical data. His reputation among fellow statisticians appears strong, with Erica Groshen, who served as commissioner during Barack Obama's presidency, praising the appointment.
According to The New York Times, Groshen commented: "He's a B.L.S.-er, he's a data nerd," suggesting that Matsumoto's deep understanding of the bureau's workings makes him particularly suited for the leadership role.
Matsumoto's Research Focus and Agency Responsibilities
The division where Matsumoto has worked within the BLS concentrates on long-term research initiatives, with particular emphasis on resolving complex price measurement problems. His professional portfolio includes numerous published research papers, several of which address consumer expenditure patterns and related economic metrics.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a critical role in the American economic landscape, releasing an array of influential economic reports. Among these, the consumer price index stands out as particularly significant, providing essential data about inflation trends that influence policy decisions, business strategies, and public understanding of economic conditions.
Trump expressed strong confidence in his nominee, declaring: "Brett Matsumoto is a Brilliant, Reputable, and Trusted Economist who will restore GREATNESS to the Bureau of Labor Statistics." The former president concluded his announcement with congratulations to the nominee, signaling his expectation that Matsumoto will bring substantial improvements to the agency's operations and data accuracy.
