Trump’s Economic Data Plan Is a Recipe for Chaos
Officials want to limit reporters’ early access to vital economic data. Experience tells me this would invite confusion and risk.
Rue the day when jobs data arrives on his Twitter feed.
Photographer: Oliver Contreras/SIPA USAThe economic world, as you understand it, is about to take a big turn for the worse.
That's if the U.S. Department of Labor gets its way and curbs journalists’ ability to report on the vital data it collects on jobs and prices, as Bloomberg News reported Tuesday. The Trump administration is considering changes to so-called media “lockups,” the 30 to 60 minute window when reporters and editors get an advance look at economic data. That extra time gives them a chance to prepare headlines and stories in a secure room. While officials didn’t specify a rationale, one consideration is removing computers from the room. The government has cited security risks and unfair media advantages for previous changes to this procedure.