The Trump administration plans to appoint a veteran critic to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or signal reform

E.J. Anthony, chief economist at the conservative think-tank Heritage Foundation, has emerged as a frontrunner to head the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Trump administration is interviewing candidates to head the BLS, including at least one longtime critic of the agency, according to a senior administration official. Mr. Trump fired the BLS director earlier this month following a weak jobs report, and officials are weighing who will take over. E.J. Anthony, the Heritage Foundation's chief economist, has long questioned the organisation's approach to employment statistics. A White House spokesperson said: "President Trump has selected the best talent to lead the federal government and will announce the new BLS director when a decision is made." The report pointed out that the White House's move to consider appointing prominent critics indicates that Trump plans to make major reforms to the agency. (Jin Ten)