Washington, D.C. – Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) publicly criticized President Donald Trump's assertions regarding the integrity of national data, stating on social media, > "The polls aren’t “fake,” the media isn’t “corrupt,” and the job data isn’t “rigged.” That's just how bad of a job Trump's doing. It's time for this president to take a good hard look in the mirror and do better for the American people." This statement comes in the wake of President Trump's recent dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, whom he accused of manipulating job figures.
President Trump fired Ms. McEntarfer on August 1, 2025, shortly after the BLS released a July jobs report showing a weaker-than-expected gain of 73,000 nonfarm payroll jobs and significant downward revisions for May and June, totaling 258,000 fewer jobs than initially reported. Trump claimed the report was "rigged" to undermine his administration, a charge for which no evidence has been presented. His actions have drawn widespread criticism from economists and former government officials, who warn of eroding public trust in crucial economic data.
The BLS compiles job data through two primary surveys: a household survey and an establishment survey. While revisions to initial job estimates are common as more comprehensive data becomes available, the scale of the recent downward adjustments for May and June was described by financial analysts as "unusually large." Experts, including William Beach, a former BLS commissioner appointed by Trump during his first term, have defended the agency's independence and methodology, stating that the commissioner does not have the ability to manipulate data.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Democratic Representative for California's 34th Congressional District since 2017, has consistently been a vocal critic of President Trump's rhetoric and policies. His political platform emphasizes progressive issues, and he has frequently challenged what he perceives as attacks on democratic institutions and factual reporting. His tweet aligns with his established track record of opposing the Trump administration's approach to governance and public information.
The ongoing disputes over the reliability of government statistics, polls, and media reporting contribute to a broader environment of skepticism regarding official information. Economists and policy makers rely on accurate and unbiased data to make informed decisions, and concerns persist that political interference or public distrust could compromise the integrity and utility of such critical national indicators. This situation underscores the tension between political narratives and the objective presentation of economic realities.