Who Is E.J. Antoni? Wife, Early Life, Career, and His Controversial BLS Nomination

August 12, 2025 – President Donald Trump has nominated E.J. Antoni to be the next Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This comes after the removal of the previous commissioner, following disputes over recent job reports. Antoni’s nomination has sparked debate about the independence of one of the nation’s most trusted data agencies.

Who Is E.J. Antoni? Early Life and Education

E.J. Antoni is an American economist. He holds a master’s degree and a PhD in Economics from Northern Illinois University. He has taught courses in labor economics and has built a career in economic research. Antoni is widely recognized for his work in conservative policy circles and is often featured in media outlets discussing the U.S. economy.

Career Path and Achievements

Antoni is currently the Chief Economist at The Heritage Foundation, a major conservative think tank. He is also a Richard Aster Fellow at the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget. His work focuses on federal spending, the national debt, and economic policy reforms.
Before joining Heritage, he was an economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He has testified before Congress and state legislatures on fiscal and monetary policy issues. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Times.

A Controversial Nomination

Antoni’s appointment is seen by many as political. He has been openly critical of the BLS, once describing its job figures as “phony baloney.” He has accused the agency of using flawed data methods. President Trump has said Antoni will ensure that BLS figures are “honest and accurate.”
Critics, however, worry that Antoni’s leadership could politicize the agency. Economists have raised concerns that this move could weaken the BLS’s reputation for nonpartisan analysis.

Public Reaction

Supporters of the nomination argue that Antoni will bring transparency and accountability to the BLS. They believe his experience in policy research and his willingness to challenge the status quo could lead to improved data accuracy.
Opponents fear that his close ties to conservative organizations could influence how labor market numbers are interpreted and reported.

What Happens Next

The Senate must confirm Antoni before he can take office. His confirmation hearings are expected to draw attention from lawmakers, economists, and the public. If approved, he will face the task of managing an agency whose reports influence financial markets, policy decisions, and public trust.

Conclusion

E.J. Antoni’s nomination marks a turning point for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. His career and past criticisms set the stage for a leadership style that could redefine how the agency operates. Whether this change strengthens trust in U.S. labor data or deepens political divides remains to be seen.