The president has not commented on his policy priorities—including immigration, government efficiency, trade, and AI investment—that have contributed to the ongoing U.S. labor market slowdown.

President Donald Trump fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday after a new jobs report showed a major slowdown of hiring in recent months. In a social media post, Trump volleyed sharp criticism and baseless accusations at Erika McEntarfer, a Biden appointee who was confirmed by the Senate in 2024.

When the economic news is bad, Trump thinks he can just shoot the messenger. Here’s how the firing played out, as well as analysis and reaction.