Trump’s Influence on Federal Data Raises Questions about Its Reliability
TL/DR –
The Trump administration has been accused of controlling and manipulating federal data, leading to concerns about the reliability of government statistics. This includes the dismissal of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer, accused by Trump of providing false employment data, and the halting of some weather balloon data collection. Other concerns include the removal of HIV statistics for transgender individuals from the CDC’s website and delays and freezes on figures such as the number of federal government employees.
Trump Administration’s Influence Over Federal Data
Data collection by weather balloons has ceased, HIV statistics among transgender groups have been removed from the CDC’s website, and public figures such as the number of federal government employees have been stalled or delayed. President Trump is exercising influence over data utilized by scientists and economists, a practice that came to the fore when he dismissed the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accusing the agency of presenting false employment data.
Criticism and Concerns Over Government Data Manipulation
While it’s not uncommon for presidents to selectively present data that suits their agendas, the dismissal of the Bureau head has been criticized by economists and investors, triggering concerns about the reliability of government data. Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns about the potential for politicization of statistics.
Trump’s Previous Incidents of Distorting Data
President Trump has previously been caught distorting information. He used a doctored hurricane model in 2019 to falsely include Alabama in Hurricane Dorian’s path. He also undermined the efforts of Covid-19 testing, arguing that reduced testing would result in fewer reported cases.
Trump’s Second Term and Increase in Data Control
There seems to be an increase in the manipulation or control of government data in Trump’s second term. Buyouts led to the discontinuation of weather balloon releases, a practice that experts claim has resulted in a decrease in forecast accuracy. Other types of federal data like immigration arrests and detentions have not been updated for months.
Effect on Health Agencies and Research
The administration’s interference with data collection and reporting has consequences for medical researchers, public health departments and doctors, who rely on accurate data for advice. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, warned of the severe health consequences due to lack of trust in CDC data.
Inconsistent Stance on Government Data
Trump’s acceptance of government data seems to depend on how it suits his narrative. He was quick to celebrate favourable labour statistics a few months ago when job numbers exceeded expectations.
—
Read More US Political News