President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to execute one of the most controversial maneuvers of his administration by taking direct control of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) through an executive order. This would entail disbanding the independent agency's governing board and transferring authority over USPS to the Department of Commerce, according to multiple reports from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
Rumors of Trump’s postal takeover surfaced Thursday, with insiders indicating the move could be imminent, possibly within the week. If carried out, critics warn it might violate federal law due to the inherent independence of the USPS, which Congress established to provide postal services universally.
Should the takeover occur, it would begin with Trump firing the Postal Service’s Senate-confirmed governing board, which has been instrumental in overseeing operations of the 250-year-old mail provider. The plan reportedly involves placing the agency under the direct oversight of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has suggested privatizing the USPS.
Privatization has long been on Trump’s agenda—a priority during his first term—pushed energetically by those around him but largely opposed by Congress. The looming threat of privatization could disrupt the postal service, which employs more than 533,000 individuals and plays a pivotal role in the economy, facilitating trillions of dollars of e-commerce transactions.
The White House has, at this point, publicly denied these purported plans. A spokesperson insisted, “No executive order is planned concerning the Postal Service,” attempting to quell concerns voiced publicly by both the Postal Service’s board and employee unions.
Despite its popularity among American citizens, USPS has been at the center of political and financial turbulence. Despite financial losses and calls for modernization, it consistently ranks among the most beloved government entities, surpassed only by the National Park Service. According to recent studies, over 72 percent of the public view USPS favorably, highlighting its importance to everyday American life.
“The postal service is wildly popular with the American people,” said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.). “Efforts to strip it of its independence or public service mission would drive up postage rates and lead to reduced service, especially to rural America.”
Notably, the governing board of the USPS is taking precautionary steps of its own. During emergency sessions, it has instructed outside legal counsel to prepare for battle against any actions from the Trump administration aimed at altering the agency’s status. Their readiness to sue over any unilateral moves reflects the seriousness of the situation.
Trump’s previous actions indicate his willingness to consolidate power over various government entities. Earlier this week, he issued instructions to independent regulatory agencies to align their policies more closely with the White House, signaling his intent to exert greater presidential control. Legal experts suggest this pattern of management is concerning, particularly concerning agencies intended to operate without political interference.
Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, firmly condemned the potential takeover, stating, “If this reporting is true, it would be an outrageous, unlawful attack on our storied national treasure, enshrined in the Constitution. Any attack on it would impact millions who rely on its services daily.”
Experts within the postal industry also expressed apprehension. John Costanzo, a transportation consultant, called attention to the potential ramifications privatization might have on bulk mailing and delivery services, warning of increased costs and potential service degradation, especially to rural communities.
This current phase of uncertainty surrounding USPS is compounded by the recent resignation announcement of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who was appointed during Trump’s first term. DeJoy has been central to reform efforts aimed at modernizing USPS and resolving its operational inefficiencies—efforts which some fear will be jeopardized under new management.
Postal services have historically operated under the assumption of universal service obligation—a commitment to provide mail service to all Americans at uniform rates. Trump's plan appears aimed at breaking this precedent, altering the very fabric of this long-standing agency.
Political analysts highlight the precariousness of Trump's potential executive action, painting it as part of broader efforts to reshape government not only for immediate political gain but also for long-held ideological motives favoring privatization.
While the public awaits the fate of the Postal Service, many are gearing up for potential consequences. The possibility of litigation from the governing body and organized opposition from labor unions suggests the upcoming weeks will be fraught with significant political battles. Observers will continue to monitor how these developments impact USPS operations and its role within American society.