Bureau of Labor Statistics stories

Aug 7, 2026

Brett Matsumoto confirmed as Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner

The Senate confirmed career economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the BLS, filling a crucial role after Trump fired his predecessor last year.

▪Due to resource constraints, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reduced its Consumer Price Index collection sample and terminated approximately 350 indexes in its producer price report in 2025
▪A 43-day government shutdown in 2025 prevented the Bureau of Labor Statistics from collecting data and publishing the October 2025 unemployment rate and other household survey metrics
▪The Bureau of Labor Statistics lost numerous experienced economists and researchers following mass layoffs and resignations, leaving over a third of senior-level positions vacant at the start of 2026