Trump Allegedly Plans to Take Over the U.S. Postal Service
By: Wise News Network Staff
Washington, DC (WNN) — President Donald Trump is allegedly planning to take control of the U.S. Postal Service, which could cause big changes in mail delivery and online shopping.
Sources say Trump might sign an executive order to fire the leaders of the Postal Service and move the agency under the control of the Commerce Department, headed by Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Postal Leaders Fight Back
The Postal Service’s board is preparing to combat Trump’s plan. At a special meeting on Thursday, February 20th, they retained legal counsel and decided to sue the White House if Trump removes them or changes the Postal Service’s status as an independent agency.
Two Republican board members, former Trump official Derek Kan and former RNC Chair Mike Duncan did not attend the meeting and have yet to make a public statement. Experts argue that Trump’s plan may violate federal law, as the Postal Service is generally protected from executive orders.
Talk of Privatization Grows
Trump has long advocated for the privatization of the Postal Service. In December, he stated, “There is a lot of talk about the Postal Service being taken private. It’s a different world now with Amazon, UPS, and FedEx.”
Recently, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced his resignation, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the Postal Service’s leadership and strategic direction. DeJoy, appointed by Trump in 2020, faced considerable scrutiny and criticism for his handling of the agency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns About Political Influence
James O’Rourke, a business professor at the University of Notre Dame, criticized Trump’s plan, stating that it undermines the principles of fairness and oversight. “This makes it seem like the president owns the Postal Service, but it really belongs to the American people,” O’Rourke remarked, emphasizing the public’s stake in the institution.
The White House has denied that Trump is planning this order, and the Postal Service has not issued an official response. This denial leaves room for speculation and concern among postal employees and customers alike.
A Look at the Postal Service’s History
The Postal Service was controlled by the White House from 1775 until 1970 when the Postal Reorganization Act transformed it into an independent agency. This shift was intended to improve efficiency and reduce political interference. A 2024 study by the Pew Research Center revealed that over 70% of Americans have a positive view of the Postal Service, reflecting its enduring role as a trusted public service.
During Trump’s first term, his administration sought to exert control over the agency. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin played a pivotal role in appointing Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General and advocating for privatization efforts. These actions sparked controversy and raised questions about the agency’s independence.
Political and Economic Impact
Democrats quickly criticized Trump’s reported plan. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said, “Privatizing the Postal Service would hurt Americans who rely on it for important mail and medical supplies.”
Trump has often criticized the Postal Service, calling it “a joke” and accusing it of helping Amazon unfairly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he tried to limit its funding and demanded it raise package delivery prices.
Despite its struggles, the Postal Service recently posted its first profit since the pandemic. However, mail delivery times have gotten worse, and both Democrats and Republicans are questioning DeJoy’s leadership.
With legal battles ahead, the future of the Postal Service remains uncertain.
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