Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s bombshell accusation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics collected “corrupted” data through “lazy” methods exposes yet another federal agency’s incompetence under previous administrations.
Story Highlights
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blasts BLS for using “lazy way” of collecting “corrupted” employment data
- Bessent declares “something wrong here” with federal statistical methods that misled Americans
- Data cleanup efforts reveal extent of previous administration’s statistical mismanagement
- Conservative economists vindicated after questioning suspicious employment figures for years
Bessent Exposes Federal Data Corruption
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered scathing criticism of the Bureau of Labor Statistics during a Morning Joe interview, declaring the agency took the “lazy way” of collecting employment data that became fundamentally “corrupted.” Bessent’s assessment confirms what many conservatives suspected throughout the Biden years—that federal agencies were either incompetent or deliberately misleading Americans about the true state of the economy.
‘Something wrong here’: Scott Bessent says BLS took ‘lazy way’ of collecting ‘corrupted’ data https://t.co/XUfLKAg2ex
— BPR (@BIZPACReview) August 7, 2025
The Treasury Secretary’s blunt assessment represents a long-overdue reckoning with federal statistical agencies that consistently painted rosy pictures while working families struggled with inflation and economic uncertainty. Bessent’s expertise brings credibility to concerns that government data collection methods prioritized political narratives over accurate economic reporting.
Statistical Integrity Under Scrutiny
Bessent emphasized that proper data collection should have occurred “long ago,” highlighting years of institutional neglect within federal statistical operations. His criticism targets the fundamental methodology used by BLS, suggesting systemic problems rather than isolated errors. This revelation validates conservative economists who questioned the reliability of employment statistics throughout recent years.
The Treasury Secretary’s condemnation extends beyond technical criticism to expose a culture of shortcuts within federal agencies. When government statisticians take the “lazy way,” they undermine economic policy decisions and mislead businesses, investors, and families who depend on accurate data for critical financial decisions.
Economic Policy Implications
Bessent’s critique carries significant implications for Trump administration economic policy, as accurate data forms the foundation for sound fiscal decisions. The revelation that previous statistical methods were corrupted suggests that economic assessments from recent years may require comprehensive revision. This cleanup effort demonstrates the new administration’s commitment to transparency and accurate reporting.
"This is like if you got on a plane in Miami, thought you were going to New York and landed in Denver." – @SecScottBessent https://t.co/WCqBjYvpWc
— Harold Hutchison (@HaroldHutchison) August 7, 2025
The Treasury Secretary’s airplane analogy—comparing flawed data to boarding a plane for New York and landing in Denver—illustrates how corrupted statistics can lead policymakers and citizens drastically off course. Restoring statistical integrity becomes essential for implementing effective economic policies that address real challenges facing American families and businesses.
Sources:
‘Something Wrong Here’: Scott Bessent Says BLS Took ‘Lazy Way’ Of Collecting ‘Corrupted’ Data
‘Something Wrong Here’: Scott Bessent Says BLS Took ‘Lazy Way’ Of Collecting ‘Corrupted’ Data
‘Lazy!’ Scott Bessent Trashes ‘Corrupted’ BLS on Morning Joe
Bessent Says Labor Data Clean-Up Should Have Happened Long Ago
