**Economic Turmoil: Trump's Dismissal of BLS Chief Sparks Controversy Amid Market Decline**

In a startling move, President Donald Trump has dismissed Erika McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only hours after disappointing jobs data stirred fears surrounding his tariff policies. Trump accused McEntarfer of having “RIGGED” the employment figures to negatively impact the Republican image, leading to allegations of politicizing economic data. The Senate’s top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, condemned Trump’s actions, labeling him a “bad leader” who penalizes those who report unfavorable statistics.

The catalyst for this unprecedented firing was the release of BLS data showing the addition of only 73,000 jobs in July—far below the anticipated 109,000—and a downward revision of 250,000 jobs from previous months, marking the worst adjustment since 1979, excluding the pandemic period. Despite Trump claiming on social media that the economy is “BOOMING under his administration,” experts warn that the labor market is showing signs of deterioration due to uncertainty stemming from the president’s tariff strategies.

Notable economists and former government officials criticized Trump’s decision, equating it to actions seen in authoritarian regimes where political agendas override factual reporting. The group Friends of BLS, including former commissioners, emphasized the dangers of losing public trust in official economic statistics.

As stock markets reacted negatively to the tariff announcements and job figures, Trump further escalated his rhetoric against the Federal Reserve, targeting its chairman, Jerome Powell, and expressing desires for leadership changes. This atmosphere of instability and manipulation raises concerns about the credibility of economic data within the US.

The article highlights McEntarfer’s contributions to the BLS and the potential implications of her removal, suggesting risk to the integrity of economic reporting in the US. It culminates with a stark forecast: as Trump continues to impose tariffs, raising average rates significantly, the overall impact on small businesses and market health could be profound.