Brain drain at Census Bureau has employees warning about the country's statistics
npr.orgPublished: 4/17/2025
Summary
The Census Bureau is facing a significant staffing crisis due to departures and potential firings, which could impact the reliability of its statistics. Key personnel involved in the 2030 census preparations have left, raising concerns about the bureau's ability to maintain quality data. The Trump administration's hiring freeze and attempts to end remote work agreements are contributing to these staffing challenges. Additionally, fears of data misuse at other agencies could discourage households from sharing personal information with the Census Bureau, further complicating its efforts.