IA Seeks Clarity on Trump's 'New Census' Post

Following a call this week by President Trump for 'a new and highly accurate census' based on 'modern day facts and figures', US trade body The Insights Association has responded by urging the White House to fully fund the already-scheduled 2030 Census.

Trump posted on Thursday August 7th on his Truth Social account. 'I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024.'

Seeking clarity about the precise meaning of the post, the IA's Senior VP Advocacy Howard Fienberg points out that preparations for the 2030 Census are 'already well underway, with the first field testing in six sites across the country in 2026.' He adds that 'It takes a whole decade to research, develop, field and process a complete and accurate count of the U.S. population... We look forward to working with the President to fully resource a great 2030 Census.'

'If the President meant to suggest a mid-decade census,' Fienberg continues, 'it is important to note that (1) the Census Bureau doesn't have enough personnel to pull off a mid-decade census and (2) existing law prohibits a mid-decade census from being used for redistricting or apportionment of Congressional districts.' He concludes on a positive note, 'We look forward to learning more about the 'modern day facts and figures' and other details referenced by the President, which sound like they would be valuable to inform any efforts to improve the decennial census.'

Earlier in the year Fienberg welcomed the re-confirmation of Trump's pick Russ Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with responsibilities including Census funding, and said the IA would work with him 'to bolster the resources' for the Census Bureau's core Constitutional activities, the ACS and the decennial Census itself.

Web site: www.insightsassociation.org .