The Economic Risks of Trump’s Premature Tweeting

Jobs data are closely held to prevent volatility and insider trading at the expense of the public.

The May jobs numbers, released Friday morning, were excellent. If I were still working in the White House, I would have received the numbers around 1 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday. I’d have closed the door of my office and let out a private exclamation of delight. A few hours later I’d have briefed President Obama. He too would have been excited, as he was the 13 times I briefed him on a number that came in even higher than the 223,000 jobs added last month. We then would have waited until 9:30 a.m. Friday to share our enthusiasm, and the news, with the public.

If—69...