Rob Seamans
@robseamans.bsky.social
Professor NYU Stern: former Obama CEA Senior Economist for tech & innovation; research on AI, robots, entrepreneurship, strategy
One of my favorite things is the rebirth of Honest Tea in the form of Just Ice Tea.
October 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
One of my favorite things is the rebirth of Honest Tea in the form of Just Ice Tea.
🚀 The space economy is evolving from government-led missions toward commercial markets: satellite broadband, Earth observation, space tourism, even orbital manufacturing. Falling costs expand access—but they also raise complex economic and governance questions.
September 23, 2025 at 8:37 PM
🚀 The space economy is evolving from government-led missions toward commercial markets: satellite broadband, Earth observation, space tourism, even orbital manufacturing. Falling costs expand access—but they also raise complex economic and governance questions.
Reposted by Rob Seamans
The BLS is NOT postponing the monthly inflation report, the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rather, the delay is for the annual Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX). CEX provides the "weights" for the CPI and other inflation measures.
September 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The BLS is NOT postponing the monthly inflation report, the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rather, the delay is for the annual Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX). CEX provides the "weights" for the CPI and other inflation measures.
Reposted by Rob Seamans
"We strongly support the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), its leadership, staff, & mission..."
Since 1884 founding, guided by 1st commissioner's principle: "`fearless[ly]' publish facts `without regard to the influence those facts may have upon any party's position or any partisan's views.'”
Since 1884 founding, guided by 1st commissioner's principle: "`fearless[ly]' publish facts `without regard to the influence those facts may have upon any party's position or any partisan's views.'”
![The Friends of BLS strongly support the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), its leadership, staff, and mission. Since its founding in 1884, BLS has been guided by first commissioner Caroll D. Wright’s principle: to “fearless[ly]” publish facts “without regard to the influence those facts may have upon any party's position or any partisan's views.” On September 9, 2025, BLS staff lived up to this standard by releasing preliminary benchmark job estimates for the Current Employment Statistics program, following their usual transparent and scientific methods. The results showed a likely downward revision of 911,000 jobs as of March 2025—about 0.6% of U.S. employment. Such adjustments vary in size, but are fundamentally routine, correcting for misreporting and non-response bias.
Unfortunately, the Administration responded by questioning the agency’s integrity and calling BLS “broken.” The Secretary of Labor claimed the revision undermines public confidence in the data. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The revision reflects BLS doing its job: providing accurate, objective information regardless of political consequences.
What truly threatens BLS is chronic underfunding, recent understaffing, and erosion of trust. Since 2010, BLS has lost 20% of its budget (adjusted for inflation), and the President’s FY26 Budget proposes another 8% cut. Furthermore, the Bureau has lost about 20% of its staff since January and a third of its leadership positions are vacant. Despite having ready-to-implement modernization plans, the agency lacks the people and resources to update its programs...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:mzmtoehujifw6wpzlz3hdpni/bafkreifnhwfbzehuaor2vea6lvkctu4nxlwltdx4kzykpxhduchx4zr7gu@jpeg)
September 11, 2025 at 7:23 PM
"We strongly support the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), its leadership, staff, & mission..."
Since 1884 founding, guided by 1st commissioner's principle: "`fearless[ly]' publish facts `without regard to the influence those facts may have upon any party's position or any partisan's views.'”
Since 1884 founding, guided by 1st commissioner's principle: "`fearless[ly]' publish facts `without regard to the influence those facts may have upon any party's position or any partisan's views.'”
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Senate Banking Republican, says he will not consider a replacement for Lisa Cook's seat on the Fed board unless/until a court rules her firing was legal.
Suggests Pres. Trump will NOT be able to fill her seat unless that happens.
From Politico: www.politico.com/live-updates...
Suggests Pres. Trump will NOT be able to fill her seat unless that happens.
From Politico: www.politico.com/live-updates...
Tillis says he will not consider Lisa Cook Fed replacement amid legal dispute
Republicans likely need unanimous GOP support to advance picks out of the Banking panel, where they have a 13-11 majority.
www.politico.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Senate Banking Republican, says he will not consider a replacement for Lisa Cook's seat on the Fed board unless/until a court rules her firing was legal.
Suggests Pres. Trump will NOT be able to fill her seat unless that happens.
From Politico: www.politico.com/live-updates...
Suggests Pres. Trump will NOT be able to fill her seat unless that happens.
From Politico: www.politico.com/live-updates...
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Tommy Devito is walking around the North End.
August 30, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Tommy Devito is walking around the North End.
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Fyi - A bucket list item of mine is to get added to this
For Bluesky folks seeking football related #stuff check out this very helpful starter pack
go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH
go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH
August 27, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Fyi - A bucket list item of mine is to get added to this
Reposted by Rob Seamans
I attended one of the last iterations and it was a great. We received a ton of great feedback on our paper from the journal editors and others in the audience. I can highly recommend the event!
📢📢Research Policy 10th online conference for Early Career Researchers!
Fri 3rd October 2025, 2-4pm (UK time)
Submit a 3 page abstract by Sun 31st August
Link for submitting:
forms.gle/GdvPaEq4seZt...
#EconSky
Fri 3rd October 2025, 2-4pm (UK time)
Submit a 3 page abstract by Sun 31st August
Link for submitting:
forms.gle/GdvPaEq4seZt...
#EconSky
August 5, 2025 at 11:20 AM
I attended one of the last iterations and it was a great. We received a ton of great feedback on our paper from the journal editors and others in the audience. I can highly recommend the event!
Reposted by Rob Seamans
not what i was planning to include in my July jobs report recap (in progress) but here we are
August 1, 2025 at 7:20 PM
not what i was planning to include in my July jobs report recap (in progress) but here we are
Is AI to blame for the softening labor market?
I don't think so, at least not in full. AI is an easy scapegoat, and execs feel better blaming AI rather than economic or policy uncertainty.
These and other thoughts in a recent interview for @gizmodo.com -- gizmodo.com/ai-is-alread...
I don't think so, at least not in full. AI is an easy scapegoat, and execs feel better blaming AI rather than economic or policy uncertainty.
These and other thoughts in a recent interview for @gizmodo.com -- gizmodo.com/ai-is-alread...
AI Is Already Disrupting Labor, and Recent Grads Could Be a ‘Lost Generation’
It’s a particularly bad time to be an unemployed 20-something.
gizmodo.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Is AI to blame for the softening labor market?
I don't think so, at least not in full. AI is an easy scapegoat, and execs feel better blaming AI rather than economic or policy uncertainty.
These and other thoughts in a recent interview for @gizmodo.com -- gizmodo.com/ai-is-alread...
I don't think so, at least not in full. AI is an easy scapegoat, and execs feel better blaming AI rather than economic or policy uncertainty.
These and other thoughts in a recent interview for @gizmodo.com -- gizmodo.com/ai-is-alread...
I’ve taught the #Ryanair case many times. First time to experience it IRL!
July 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I’ve taught the #Ryanair case many times. First time to experience it IRL!
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Some professional news: After more than a decade of columnizing at The Washington Post, I'm taking the buyout.
This is my last column. It is my advice to any other lucky pundits who land a perch like this -- with 11 principles I've aspired to, even if I haven't always achieved them:
wapo.st/3TU2fGw
This is my last column. It is my advice to any other lucky pundits who land a perch like this -- with 11 principles I've aspired to, even if I haven't always achieved them:
wapo.st/3TU2fGw
Opinion | 11 tips for becoming a columnist
Here’s my advice for handling the awesome responsibility of this job.
wapo.st
July 23, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Some professional news: After more than a decade of columnizing at The Washington Post, I'm taking the buyout.
This is my last column. It is my advice to any other lucky pundits who land a perch like this -- with 11 principles I've aspired to, even if I haven't always achieved them:
wapo.st/3TU2fGw
This is my last column. It is my advice to any other lucky pundits who land a perch like this -- with 11 principles I've aspired to, even if I haven't always achieved them:
wapo.st/3TU2fGw
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Schrier to RFK Jr: You gave Cassidy the answer he needed to hear in order to get his confirmation vote, then as soon as you were secretary you turned around & fired all 17 members. You lied. I also want to be clear that I will lay all responsibility for every vaccine-preventable death at your feet.
June 24, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Schrier to RFK Jr: You gave Cassidy the answer he needed to hear in order to get his confirmation vote, then as soon as you were secretary you turned around & fired all 17 members. You lied. I also want to be clear that I will lay all responsibility for every vaccine-preventable death at your feet.
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Trump has been walling us off from foreign-made goods, ideas, and most significantly, humans. This month, Trump banned entry from most or all nationals from 21 countries; leaked memo suggests another 36 to be added.
Trump is finally building his wall, and Americans will pay for it.
Trump is finally building his wall, and Americans will pay for it.
Opinion | Trump is finally building his wall. We’ll all suffer the consequences.
The president’s travel ban is just his latest economic barbarism.
wapo.st
June 18, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Trump has been walling us off from foreign-made goods, ideas, and most significantly, humans. This month, Trump banned entry from most or all nationals from 21 countries; leaked memo suggests another 36 to be added.
Trump is finally building his wall, and Americans will pay for it.
Trump is finally building his wall, and Americans will pay for it.
Reposted by Rob Seamans
The New York Times asked me for a new job that AI will create.
I suggested "sin eater."
(lots of good discussion of many other jobs in the article: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...)
I suggested "sin eater."
(lots of good discussion of many other jobs in the article: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...)
June 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The New York Times asked me for a new job that AI will create.
I suggested "sin eater."
(lots of good discussion of many other jobs in the article: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...)
I suggested "sin eater."
(lots of good discussion of many other jobs in the article: www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...)
A.I. Might Take Your Job. Here Are 22 New Ones It Could Give You.
@robcapps.bsky.social wrote an excellent article
@nytimes.com with views from yours truly, @emollick.bsky.social, @erikbryn.bsky.social and others.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...
@robcapps.bsky.social wrote an excellent article
@nytimes.com with views from yours truly, @emollick.bsky.social, @erikbryn.bsky.social and others.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...
A.I. Might Take Your Job. Here Are 22 New Ones It Could Give You.
www.nytimes.com
June 17, 2025 at 2:32 PM
A.I. Might Take Your Job. Here Are 22 New Ones It Could Give You.
@robcapps.bsky.social wrote an excellent article
@nytimes.com with views from yours truly, @emollick.bsky.social, @erikbryn.bsky.social and others.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...
@robcapps.bsky.social wrote an excellent article
@nytimes.com with views from yours truly, @emollick.bsky.social, @erikbryn.bsky.social and others.
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/m...
Reposted by Rob Seamans
American Bar Association files suit to halt government intimidation of lawyers and law firms www.americanbar.org/news/abanews...
American Bar Association files suit to halt government intimidation of lawyers and law firms
CHICAGO, June 16, 2025 — The American Bar Association today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, more than two dozen federal departments and agencies, and the heads of those departments and ag...
www.americanbar.org
June 16, 2025 at 8:48 PM
American Bar Association files suit to halt government intimidation of lawyers and law firms www.americanbar.org/news/abanews...
Reposted by Rob Seamans
AI inroads update: Danielle Abril asks, Will a slower economy accelerate AI workforce impacts, disruption?
I add a few thoughts to a good speculative story.
wapo.st/4kRgYxi
@brookings.edu
I add a few thoughts to a good speculative story.
wapo.st/4kRgYxi
@brookings.edu
Why companies may soon accelerate replacing jobs with AI
Tough economic conditions could be the catalyst for AI adoption in corporate America as more companies turn to automation, economists predict.
wapo.st
June 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
AI inroads update: Danielle Abril asks, Will a slower economy accelerate AI workforce impacts, disruption?
I add a few thoughts to a good speculative story.
wapo.st/4kRgYxi
@brookings.edu
I add a few thoughts to a good speculative story.
wapo.st/4kRgYxi
@brookings.edu
Reposted by Rob Seamans
This isn't good: "BLS is reducing sample in areas across the country. In April, BLS suspended CPI data collection entirely in Lincoln, NE, and Provo, UT. In June, BLS suspended collection entirely in Buffalo, NY." #EconSky
www.bls.gov/cpi/notices/...
www.bls.gov/cpi/notices/...
Notice of CPI collection reductions
Notice of CPI collection reductions
www.bls.gov
June 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
This isn't good: "BLS is reducing sample in areas across the country. In April, BLS suspended CPI data collection entirely in Lincoln, NE, and Provo, UT. In June, BLS suspended collection entirely in Buffalo, NY." #EconSky
www.bls.gov/cpi/notices/...
www.bls.gov/cpi/notices/...
Reposted by Rob Seamans
An outright lie from OMB Director Russell Vought.
June 1, 2025 at 5:59 PM
An outright lie from OMB Director Russell Vought.
I'm looking for ways to use LLMs in a game theory course.
Please share suggestions and examples.
What have you found that works? What doesn't work?
Please share suggestions and examples.
What have you found that works? What doesn't work?
May 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
I'm looking for ways to use LLMs in a game theory course.
Please share suggestions and examples.
What have you found that works? What doesn't work?
Please share suggestions and examples.
What have you found that works? What doesn't work?
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Tesla now accepts Cybertruck trade-ins, and the official resale loss is $35k over just 6,000 miles.
I repeat: according to Tesla itself a Cybertruck loses $5.60 cents per mile, not counting the cost of electricity, tires, etc.
Unprecedented levels of flop!
www.torquenews.com/11826/tesla-...
I repeat: according to Tesla itself a Cybertruck loses $5.60 cents per mile, not counting the cost of electricity, tires, etc.
Unprecedented levels of flop!
www.torquenews.com/11826/tesla-...
Tesla Starts Accepting Cybertruck Trade-Ins – According to Tesla, a Cybertruck Loses $35,000 Over 6,000 Miles ($5.6 Per Mile)
Tesla has reversed its policy barring Cybertruck trade-ins. A Cybertruck owner says Tesla offered him $65,400 for his $100,00 truck with 6,200 miles. This means, according to Tesla, a Cybertruck loses...
www.torquenews.com
May 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Tesla now accepts Cybertruck trade-ins, and the official resale loss is $35k over just 6,000 miles.
I repeat: according to Tesla itself a Cybertruck loses $5.60 cents per mile, not counting the cost of electricity, tires, etc.
Unprecedented levels of flop!
www.torquenews.com/11826/tesla-...
I repeat: according to Tesla itself a Cybertruck loses $5.60 cents per mile, not counting the cost of electricity, tires, etc.
Unprecedented levels of flop!
www.torquenews.com/11826/tesla-...
Reposted by Rob Seamans
#econsky What do we know about “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation” and about MIT's investigation of this paper, which apparently led to expulsion of its author? And what should we change in response. /1
May 18, 2025 at 5:24 PM
#econsky What do we know about “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation” and about MIT's investigation of this paper, which apparently led to expulsion of its author? And what should we change in response. /1
Reposted by Rob Seamans
Interesting new #AI geography work:
#AI emp declines rapidly with distance from AI #innovation hotspots, report @Jennifer Hunt, Iain Cockburn, and James Bessen www.nber.org/papers/w33022
@nickbloom.bsky.social @robseamans.bsky.social
@shriyared.bsky.social
#AI emp declines rapidly with distance from AI #innovation hotspots, report @Jennifer Hunt, Iain Cockburn, and James Bessen www.nber.org/papers/w33022
@nickbloom.bsky.social @robseamans.bsky.social
@shriyared.bsky.social
Is Distance from Innovation a Barrier to the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence?
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
May 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Interesting new #AI geography work:
#AI emp declines rapidly with distance from AI #innovation hotspots, report @Jennifer Hunt, Iain Cockburn, and James Bessen www.nber.org/papers/w33022
@nickbloom.bsky.social @robseamans.bsky.social
@shriyared.bsky.social
#AI emp declines rapidly with distance from AI #innovation hotspots, report @Jennifer Hunt, Iain Cockburn, and James Bessen www.nber.org/papers/w33022
@nickbloom.bsky.social @robseamans.bsky.social
@shriyared.bsky.social