Former NJ Gov. Christie Criticizes Trump Firing Labor Stats Chief

President Trump fired Erika McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shortly after a disappointing July jobs report showed only 73,000 new jobs added and significant downward revisions to May and June figures. Trump accused McEntarfer of manipulating data to make him and Republicans look bad, though no evidence was provided. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie criticized the firing as "irresponsible" and likened Trump's reaction to that of a "petulant child," emphasizing that the BLS data is compiled by many people, making it nearly impossible to rig. Christie said McEntarfer was merely a conduit for the data and that Trump's decision reflected his management style of blaming others rather than taking responsibility. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats and economists, who warn that politicizing statistical agencies could undermine public trust. Trump has promised to appoint a more "competent and qualified" replacement, while the White House defended the need for accurate data to restore trust.