President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, E.J. Antoni, was seen on the Capitol grounds during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, according to archived videos. The White House said Antoni, then a Heritage Foundation economist, was a “bystander” who wandered over after nearby meetings and did not engage in unlawful activity.
Footage from Parler and congressional surveillance shows Antoni on both the west and east sides of the Capitol, walking away from the building as rioters breached barricades. The videos do not depict him entering the Capitol or participating in demonstrations.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said it was “wrong and defamatory” to suggest Antoni acted inappropriately. Antoni declined to comment to NBC News.
Trump nominated Antoni after firing former BLS head Erika McEntarfer, alleging she “rigged” jobs reports. Antoni has called for suspending monthly job reports in favor of quarterly releases. His nomination requires Senate confirmation, where past Trump picks have faced obstacles over Jan. 6 connections.
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