Chris Christie Criticizes Trump as 'Childish' Over BLS Firing and Epstein Handling

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized President Donald Trump during an appearance on ABC's "This Week," specifically targeting Trump's decision to dismiss Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the former head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), following a disappointing jobs report. Christie described Trump's action as childish, accusing him of firing the messenger when faced with unfavorable data. During the discussion, Christie emphasized the integrity of the labor statistics, stating that the data's complexity and the number of people involved make manipulation highly improbable. He pointed out that Dr. McEntarfer was merely a conduit for information and lacked the capacity to alter the figures. Additionally, Christie addressed Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, suggesting that the controversy has entered mainstream culture, as evidenced by references at events like the ESPY awards. He remarked that once such topics move beyond official channels into popular culture, they become harder for the White House to control. This critique highlights ongoing tensions and debates over data credibility and political accountability.