1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing with deep concern over the President’s firing of Erika McEntarfer, the Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following the release of an accurate—though politically inconvenient—jobs report. This was not a performance-based decision. It was retaliation against a public servant for doing her job and telling the truth. This, again, is another dangerous example where—if a government employee, an accountant, a social scientist, or anyone—fails to please this president, they will be punished not for misconduct or error, but on a whim. This cannot be allowed. I’m certain you agree that no matter how much anyone might want 2 plus 2 to equal 5, it still equals 4. And the person who tells the truth shouldn’t be fired as your enemy. They should be protected. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a long-standing tradition of nonpartisan reporting. Undermining it to suit political needs threatens the integrity of government, data transparency, and public trust. I ask you directly: • Do you believe public employees should be fired for reporting facts that displease a sitting president? • Will you demand the immediate reinstatement of Erika McEntarfer, and public assurance that this type of retaliation will not be tolerated? Our democracy cannot function if truth-tellers are punished. Please act