Trump to Announce New Statistician Amid Jobs Report Controversy

US President Donald Trump plans to nominate a new statistician for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following controversy over recent jobs reports. The decision comes after the firing of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, with Trump alleging manipulated data aimed to undermine his administration, according to CNN.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate a new statistician to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as reported by CNN. This decision follows the dismissal of Commissioner Erika McEntarfer amid allegations that recent job numbers were designed to cast his administration in a negative light.

Trump's comments came as he prepared to board Air Force One in Allentown, Pennsylvania, criticizing the job figures reported in July as a 'scam.' The numbers, which indicated a weaker-than-expected addition of 73,000 jobs, contrasted with Trump's claims of a booming economy.

Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, defended Trump's actions, suggesting the president wanted 'his own people' in such positions. Hassett also alleged partisan biases in the jobless data, though he did not provide concrete evidence. The future nominee will require Senate confirmation.

(With inputs from agencies.)