Trump’s firing of BLS commissioner reflects growing distrust of economists : Planet Money : NPR

Confidence in experts has broken down. In all kinds of institutions and professions – in the government, in the media, in medical sciences … and lately, economists feel the burn in a sharp way. In fact, President Trump has just dismissed the economist who led the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accusing him – without evidence – of fueling a job report that has shown less earnings than expected.

During the decades, economists whispered in the ears of the presidents. Now, many politicians and voters are disenchanted by the field.

In today’s program, we are talking to economists about the way the mistrust ruins their minds and interferes with their work. Can they strengthen confidence?

Today’s episode was organized by Amanda Aronczyk. It was produced by Sam Yellods Kesler and edited by Marianne McCune with the help of Jess Jiang. It was designed by Robert Rodriguez and checked by Sierra Juarez. Alex Goldmark is Planet moneyExecutive producer.

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