1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent developments in our nation's economic reporting and the potential for political interference in crucial economic data. The August jobs report, showing only 22,000 jobs added against an expected 75,000, is alarming. This significant miss, coupled with the unemployment rate rising to 4.3%, suggests our economy may be heading towards a recession. What's even more troubling is the context surrounding this report. It comes on the heels of President Trump's controversial firing of Erika McEntarfer, a top Labor Department official, over alleged inaccuracies in data reporting. This action, followed by the nomination of E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a choice that has faced criticism for data interpretation, raises serious questions about the integrity of our economic reporting processes. The revised data for June and July, showing a contraction and slightly higher growth respectively, with a net 21,000 fewer jobs than initially reported, further underscores the volatility and potential manipulation of these critical economic indicators. The stagnant job market, evidenced by unchanged hiring and firing rates, decreased job openings, and increased layoff announcements, paints a grim picture of our economic health. I urge you to call for an immediate, bipartisan investigation into any potential political interference with the BLS and other economic reporting agencies. We need to ensure that our economic data remains accurate, unbiased, and free from political manipulation. The integrity of these statistics is crucial for sound policy-making and public trust. Furthermore, I implore you to scrutinize the impact of the administration's policies, including federal layoffs, spending cuts, and tariffs, on job creation and economic growth. The increasing duration of unemployment and the growing number of workers dropping out of the labor force are clear indicators that current policies may be exacerbating economic challenges rather than alleviating them. Lastly, I ask that you challenge any misinterpretation of data regarding job opportunities for native-born Americans due to immigration policies. It's crucial that policy decisions are based on accurate, comprehensive analysis rather than selective interpretation of statistics. The health of our economy affects every American. We need transparent, accurate reporting and policies based on sound economic principles, not political agendas. I urge you to take immediate action to protect the integrity of our economic institutions and to work towards policies that genuinely support job growth and economic stability for all Americans.