A recent report reveals that the Trump administration is exploring ways to exert more control over the US Postal Service (USPS). This could drastically change how essential deliveries, like online orders, medications, and mail-in ballots, reach Americans.
The Washington Post reported that President Trump may dissolve the Postal Service’s Board of Governors and place the agency under the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick. This move has raised eyebrows and was covered by other outlets, including the Wall Street Journal.
The USPS has not commented on these developments, but a White House spokesperson insisted that there are no plans for such a drastic change. However, the statement didn’t address whether the administration is considering privatizing the service, an idea Trump has publicly entertained in the past.
According to the Post, the Board of Governors responded to the potential threat by holding an emergency meeting. They are serious about protecting their independence and are ready to take legal action if necessary.
Historically, Trump has already removed members from federal boards, creating vacancies that hamper their functions. The USPS, being a vital service, has people concerned about what changes might come.
Various countries have turned their postal services private, but the USPS has a long history in America, dating back over 250 years. Privatizing it could alter delivery processes significantly and affect who receives service, especially in rural areas. Currently, USPS is mandated to deliver to every address, a requirement that private companies might find unprofitable.
Trump has previously mentioned that privatizing USPS isn’t a bad idea, suggesting it might gain traction. Still, any move to privatize would require congressional approval due to existing laws that govern the Postal Service. These laws ensure universal delivery and prevent strikes by postal workers, who represent a significant part of the workforce.
The future of these laws remains uncertain if the service were to be privatized. The American Postal Workers Union has strongly condemned any potential moves to dismantle the board or privatize USPS, calling it an illegal attack on a vital institution that serves all Americans.
Even though the USPS has faced financial difficulties, it recently reported a net income of $144 million for the last quarter of 2024, showcasing that financial stability is possible. Moreover, a Pew Research Center survey from July showed that USPS enjoys a high approval rating of 72%, making it one of the most favored federal agencies among both Democrats and Republicans.
The story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
