Trump routinely calls economic data ‘fake.’ Here’s why that’s dangerous

Federal economic data is at greater risk as federal statistical agencies face mounting challenges under a potentially more austere environment, driven in part by President Trump’s criticism of government data and the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to streamline operations. Experts like former BLS commissioners Erica Groshen and William Beach warn that reduced funding, declining response rates to surveys, and heightened political scrutiny threaten the accuracy and consistency of federal statistics. This data—often called a form of national infrastructure—guides policymaking, business decisions, and public advocacy; without it, both government and private entities risk making uninformed choices. Meanwhile, broader cuts to discretionary spending could further endanger essential data-collection programs, with potential fallout including the erasure of information on already marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ communities. Advocates emphasize that robust, reliable federal data is crucial for identifying economic inequities and crafting solutions; to this end, some organizations are archiving government websites and pushing for legislation to preserve statistical agencies. Suggestions include consolidating these agencies under an independent office led by a chief statistician, modernizing survey methodologies, and exploring partnerships with universities to keep critical data flowing.

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