Elon Musk's DOGE Sparks Concerns Over BLS Integrity Amid Federal Cuts
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has initiated significant cuts and reforms across federal agencies, sparking concerns about the integrity and functionality of critical government operations. At the Labor Department, DOGE’s involvement has raised alarms about the potential politicization of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a key agency responsible for producing vital economic data such as inflation rates and employment figures. Former BLS commissioners and economists warn that any interference or perceived politicization could undermine the credibility of these reports, which are essential for policymakers, Wall Street investors, and the Federal Reserve’s decision-making processes.
DOGE’s approach has been described as “scorched-earth,” with fears that inexperienced outsiders could disrupt long-standing practices at BLS. While there is no evidence of direct interference yet, the lack of transparency and the group’s aggressive cost-cutting measures have heightened concerns. Critics argue that even the perception of politicization could reduce public trust in the data, potentially leading to lower response rates from businesses and individuals to BLS surveys, which are already declining. This could jeopardize the accuracy of economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index and monthly jobs reports.
The situation is further complicated by broader efforts to streamline the federal bureaucracy, including plans to make it easier to fire federal employees. Such changes could introduce uncertainty and pressure on statistical agencies, threatening their independence and objectivity. Former BLS leaders emphasize that many of the agency’s best practices are based on norms rather than laws, making them vulnerable to administrative changes. The stakes are high, as any erosion of trust in BLS data could have global economic repercussions, affecting financial markets and policy decisions worldwide.
DOGE Cuts $900M From Agency Tracking Academic Progress
The action will not affect the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences' College Scorecard.
time.com
Russia says Ukraine will be involved in peace talks as Zelensky warns against trusting Putin
It comes after US President Donald Trump spoke to both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, and suggested negotiations to end the war would follow.
www.bbc.com
DOGE is at DOL: Here’s why that matters for the US economy.
The department’s statistical bureau is a key source of data that shapes how policymakers and Wall Street investors view the economy.
www.politico.com
Trump, joined by Musk in Oval Office, orders up big cuts in federal workforce
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that seeks to significantly reduce the size of government through Elon Musk's DOGE.
www.usatoday.com
The Government Waste DOGE Should Be Cutting
The problem that really needs fixing is not the public employees but the private contractors—and Elon Musk is one of them.
www.theatlantic.com