BLS Revises US Jobs Downward Amid Commissioner Firing, Markets React

Recent downward revisions in U.S. jobs data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have sparked controversy and debate about the state of the labor market and the reliability of government data. President Trump fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, accusing the agency of manipulating employment figures, a move criticized by politicians across the aisle who argue that firing the messenger does not change the data. Private data from ADP shows conflicting employment trends compared to BLS figures, highlighting concerns about outdated government data collection methods and algorithms. The labor market shows signs of strain, particularly among Black Americans with rising unemployment, and the impact of Trump's tariffs may further slow hiring. Market responses to the jobs report and the firing have been negative, reflecting investor unease about economic prospects amid these developments. Experts warn that these issues underscore deeper structural problems in employment data accuracy and the U.S. economy's health.