The US Commerce Department, a parent agency of the Census Bureau, has sparked scrutiny over the political independence of federal statistics. January 2023.
Photo Credit: Sipa USA/Graeme Sloan

Political meddling at the Census Bureau damages the entire US statistical system

Jed Kolko (PIIE)

Two recent events raised alarms about inappropriate political encroachment on the Census Bureau’s technical authority. They demonstrate a growing danger to the credibility of US government data used by policymakers, businesses, and investors to make decisions affecting Americans’ daily lives.

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