White House Warns of Missing Key Economic Reports Amid Shutdown

2025-11-13 economy

Washington, D.C., Wednesday, 12 November 2025.
The White House suggests October’s jobs and inflation reports may not be released due to the prolonged government shutdown, potentially impairing economic analysis and decision-making.

Impact of the Shutdown on Data Release

The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, has announced that the release of October’s jobs and inflation reports is unlikely due to the prolonged government shutdown. This decision is poised to impair economic analysis and decision-making as these reports are integral to understanding labor market trends and inflationary pressures [1][2]. The current shutdown, which has persisted for over six weeks, is the longest in U.S. history, and the potential cancellation of these reports highlights the severe impact of this political deadlock [2].

Economic Implications of Missing Data

The absence of these key economic indicators could have significant ramifications. Economists and policymakers rely heavily on data such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and jobs reports to gauge economic health and make informed policy decisions. The lack of this data could leave policymakers at the Federal Reserve ‘flying blind,’ as described by Leavitt, during crucial decision-making periods [1][2]. Furthermore, the shutdown could potentially lower fourth-quarter economic growth by up to 2 percentage points, according to estimates from the White House [2].

Private Sector Data as an Alternative

In the absence of government data, some analysts suggest that the Federal Reserve could rely on private-sector data. For instance, the ADP National Employment Report indicated an addition of 42,000 jobs in October, despite private employers shedding an average of 11,250 jobs per week for the four weeks ending October 25 [3][5]. However, this reliance on private data is not without its challenges, as such reports may lack the comprehensive scope of federal data collections [5].

Future Outlook and Fed Response

Looking forward, the economic landscape remains uncertain. The Federal Reserve is anticipated to cut interest rates again in December, with 80% of economists forecasting a 25 basis points reduction to support a weakening labor market [6]. This move is seen as a response to ongoing economic challenges, including the persistent inflation above the Fed’s target and the potential economic slowdown due to the shutdown [6]. The eventual release of deferred reports, if possible, will be crucial in shaping the economic outlook for the remainder of the year and beyond.

Sources

jobs report inflation data