Trump moving U.S. away from real fact to 'fantastical numbers': Economist

Data Integrity & Economic Impact - The corruption of data gathering is highly significant, impacting the stability and coherence of society [1][2] - BLS data guides Federal Reserve interest rate policy and business decisions [4][5] - Manipulating employment data could mask the impact of tariffs [6] - Inaccurate inflation data could reduce cost of living adjustments for seniors [23][24] - Trillions of dollars in bonds are tied to the accuracy of economic statistics [24] Erosion of Trust & Public Perception - The public may accept manipulated information, highlighting a broader trend of deconstructing truth [9][10] - Weaponizing and deconstructing truth is particularly effective when it serves specific agendas [9] - Distinguishing between truth and fiction is becoming increasingly difficult [12] - There is no upside for Americans in hiding truths that have already been paid for [18] Political & Strategic Considerations - The current environment presents a window to consolidate power by controlling information [20] - Some individuals may seek out numbers and justifications that align with their preferred narratives [13]