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A majority of Americans believe the nation’s jobs data should be insulated from political influence, and they’re not shy about saying so.
A new MyPerfectResume survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that two-thirds (66%) disapprove of Donald Trump’s recent firing of Erika McEntarfer, chief of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency responsible for the monthly U.S. jobs report.
The results highlight strong public support for independent oversight of key economic indicators, with 87% of respondents saying a non-political agency should handle jobs data.
The Trust in Jobs Data Report examines how political interference, and even the perception of it, undermines public confidence in economic reporting.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) believe U.S. jobs data has been manipulated for political gain, and only about half (51%) say they trust its accuracy.
Key Findings
Reaction to Trump’s BLS chief firing
- 66% disapprove of Donald Trump’s firing of the BLS chief, Erika McEntarfer.
- 34% approve of the decision.
Strong support for independence
- 87% believe an independent, non-political agency should handle jobs data.
- 54% want full independence from presidential control.
- 33% support some presidential oversight.
- 12% believe the president should maintain full authority.
Why it matters: Independence isn’t just a governance preference; it’s a safeguard. Without it, even accurate data can lose public trust if citizens suspect political influence.
Presidential authority over data agencies
- 59% say the president should not be allowed to fire the head of federal data agencies, like the BLS or Census Bureau.
- 41% believe the president should have that power.
Why it matters: These results reveal a public split over executive authority. Many are asking, “Why is Trump firing people?” and fear that allowing presidents to dismiss agency heads at will risks politicizing neutral, fact-based institutions.
Skepticism about data integrity
- 74% believe U.S. jobs data has been manipulated for political gain.
- Only 51% say they trust the accuracy of government jobs data (9% trust it completely, 42% mostly trust it).
- 49% do not trust the data (30% mostly distrust it, 19% do not trust it at all).
Why it matters: Trust in economic indicators influences everything from consumer spending to hiring decisions. If the public doubts the numbers, it can create uncertainty across markets and erode informed decision-making.
The Bigger Picture
The U.S. jobs report isn’t just another statistic; it’s a key signal guiding the economy. By firing the chief of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump prompted public concern about the accuracy of the agency’s data. When public trust in this data wavers, the effects can ripple through businesses, impacting hiring plans, wage negotiations, and even workplace discussions and culture.
Americans are sending a clear message: protect the integrity of jobs data, keep it free from political interference, and ensure it remains a reliable compass for the nation’s economic health.
For press inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.
Survey methodology
The findings presented in this report are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by MyPerfectResume using Pollfish on August 6. The survey collected responses from 1,000 U.S. adults. It explored perceptions of U.S. jobs data, political influence, and public trust in federal economic reporting. Respondents answered a mix of yes/no, single-selection, and multiple-choice questions.
Participants represented a broad cross-section of the U.S. population, encompassing a diverse range of genders, ages, and educational backgrounds.
Respondent profile:
- Gender: Male, 53%; Female, 47%
- Age: 18–24, 13%; 25–34, 17%; 35–44, 19%; 45–54, 14%; 55–64, 15%; 65+, 21%
- Education: Graduate degree, 13%; Bachelor’s degree, 28%; Associate degree, 18%; High school degree/GED, 39%; Less than high school, 2%
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Trust in Jobs Data
Jasmine is a certified career coach and recognized expert in job search strategy. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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