I mean, they already don't. Investors aren't stupid. Half of financial analysis is converting financial metrics from GAAP to other more meaningful structures that allow for proper forecasting and comparison. They spend billions on alternative data, trying to get an edge. They take nothing at face value.

I think the government stuff is a bit of a farce. They have an incentive like any other institution. For instance, inflation metrics are tied to trillions of dollars in terms of retirement benefits or other programs that are indexed to inflation. They have a gigantic incentive to play with the numbers. And I'm 100% convinced that they do. Does anyone believe food prices went up only 28% since pre-covid? Did something go from costing $4 to $5? No, most things close to doubled. But they're able to play with the numbers changing the basket (beef getting more expensive, we'll just swap that out with Tofu!).