Census Director Resigns, Trouble Ahead

Share

By Phil Sparks

You would not have thought that the same week Washington-based media was focused on the firing of FBI Director Comey, the abrupt resignation of Census Bureau Director John Thompson would have garnered much press attention – but it did!

In editorials and news articles, the media decried the Thompson resignation, rightfully so.

Director Thompson�s sudden resignation leaves the Census Bureau leaderless just as Congress has dramatically underfunded the FY 2017 census budget, and as the Trump administration only proposes increasing the bureau�s FY 2018 budget by $30 million.

Let�s hope reality sets in with the Trump administration. As the Washington Post editorial concludes, �the 2020 Census will begin in April of that year – right in the middle of the primary season. The bureau�s troubles pre-date Mr. Trump�s ascension but the census is happening on his watch. If it fails, he will own it.�

Census Director Resigns, Trouble Ahead

By Phil Sparks

You would not have thought that the same week Washington-based media was focused on the firing of FBI Director Comey, the abrupt resignation of Census Bureau Director John Thompson would have garnered much press attention – but it did!

In editorials and news articles, the media decried the Thompson resignation, rightfully so.

Director Thompson�s sudden resignation leaves the Census Bureau leaderless just as Congress has dramatically underfunded the FY 2017 census budget, and as the Trump administration only proposes increasing the bureau�s FY 2018 budget by $30 million.

Let�s hope reality sets in with the Trump administration. As the Washington Post editorial concludes, �the 2020 Census will begin in April of that year – right in the middle of the primary season. The bureau�s troubles pre-date Mr. Trump�s ascension but the census is happening on his watch. If it fails, he will own it.�

Related

Our Insights

House Committee Seeks Extensive Census Details


To assist the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee inright arrow icon

03/27/2026

Our Insights

How the 2020 Census Undercount Impacted Federal Funding in Florida Counties


A recent report examined at “the flow of federal funding”right arrow icon

02/25/2026

Our Insights

Commerce Secretary Lutnick Testifies Before Senate Appropriations Committee


On February 10, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before theright arrow icon

02/11/2026

View all Related