
Former US President Donald Trump has levelled explosive allegations against the Biden administration, accusing officials of manipulating monthly jobs reports to create a false impression of economic strength ahead of the November election.
Speaking at a rally in Wisconsin, Trump claimed the Labor Department's employment statistics were being "totally rigged" to benefit President Joe Biden's re-election campaign. "These numbers are fake," Trump declared to supporters. "They're making up jobs that don't exist."
Controversy Over Economic Indicators
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of economic data in what promises to be a fiercely contested presidential race. Recent Labor Department reports have shown steady job growth and low unemployment figures, which the White House has touted as evidence of successful economic policies.
However, Trump and some conservative economists have questioned the methodology behind the reports, suggesting seasonal adjustments and pandemic recovery distortions may be painting an overly optimistic picture.
Experts Divided on Data Validity
Economic analysts remain divided on the claims. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains rigorous, non-partisan standards," noted Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "While no economic indicator is perfect, there's no evidence of political interference."
Conversely, former Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore argued: "The way certain categories like gig work are counted absolutely overstates true employment."
Political Implications
The controversy highlights how economic data has become a key battleground in the 2024 campaign. With polls showing voters deeply concerned about inflation and living costs, both campaigns recognise the importance of controlling the economic narrative.
The White House dismissed Trump's allegations as "baseless conspiracy theories", while Republican lawmakers have called for congressional hearings into the jobs reporting process.