Scores of government statisticians are gone, leaving data at risk, report says

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 12:07 am

Government Statistician Cuts Raise Concerns About Data Integrity

Washington, D.C. - A new report released Wednesday by the American Statistical Association highlights significant staff reductions within U.S. government statistical agencies, raising concerns about the quality and reliability of critical data used to inform policy decisions. The report indicates that these agencies have experienced substantial losses in personnel due to layoffs, buyouts, and funding cuts, particularly during the first months of the Trump administration.

The report details that some agencies have seen drastic cuts, with one losing as much as 95% of its staff. Other agencies experienced reductions ranging from a quarter to over a third of their workforce. These cuts have impacted both veteran employees with institutional knowledge and newer hires, potentially hindering the agencies' ability to collect and analyze data effectively.

Former U.S. chief statistician, Nancy Potok, described the situation as "dire," emphasizing the severity of the decline. The report also notes that the agencies themselves have been hesitant to provide detailed information about the impact of these cuts.

The report identifies several agencies that have been particularly affected. The National Center for Education Statistics, part of the Department of Education, lost the most staff. The Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics in the Social Security Administration saw its workforce nearly halved. The Energy Information Administration, the Economic Research Service in the Department of Agriculture, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service each lost between 25% and 40% of their staff. The U.S. Census Bureau, the nation's largest statistical agency, lost at least 15% of its staff.

Beyond staffing reductions, the report also points to actions that may undermine the political independence of these agencies. These include unsubstantiated claims of biased data, the removal of agency heads, the failure to fill key leadership vacancies, and the appointment of political appointees to leadership positions.

The current U.S. chief statistician, Mark Calabria, has stated that all government work is embedded in politics and accountability, suggesting that debates about independence and accountability are not the primary concern.

BNN's Perspective:

While government efficiency is a valid goal, significant cuts to statistical agencies, coupled with actions that could politicize data collection, raise legitimate concerns. The integrity of government data is crucial for informed decision-making across various sectors. A balanced approach that prioritizes both efficiency and the independence of statistical agencies is essential to maintain public trust and ensure the accuracy of the information used to shape our nation's future.

Keywords: government statistics, data integrity, layoffs, budget cuts, American Statistical Association, Trump administration, statistical agencies, data collection, political independence, U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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