Donald Trump is proposing a bold move to bring the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) under the executive branch’s control. An executive order recently issued by Trump seeks to expand his authority over independent agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Trade Commission. This initiative could reshape the landscape of federal oversight in America.
Much like the Department of Government Efficiency’s attempts to cut spending without Congress, this move raises constitutional questions. The law prevents altering the USPS’s authority without Congress. Trump plans to issue an order to fire the postal board and place the USPS under the Commerce Department, as reported by the Washington Post.
The postal board is prepared to challenge Trump’s order in court. If Trump proceeds with firing them or changing the agency’s independent status, a legal battle is imminent. Meanwhile, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has announced his retirement.
James O’Rourke from the University of Notre Dame criticized the move, likening it to a king deciding what’s best for his subjects. This approach could erode oversight, impartiality, and fairness, potentially resulting in unequal treatment across states and cities. The Washington Post expressed skepticism about these developments.
The effects of moving the USPS to the Commerce Department remain unclear. The Postal Regulatory Commission oversees the mail system, ensuring fair delivery service and pricing. It is uncertain whether Trump’s order would impact this group.
Historically, the U.S. mail system was a political tool of the White House until 1970. Presidents appointed political allies as postmasters general, making the role a key negotiating position with Congress. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 aimed to shield the agency from political influence.
Altering the USPS’s structure is a highly sensitive matter. Only national parks hold more affection among Americans. In 2021, DeJoy introduced a 10-year plan for reorganization, cost-cutting, and modernization, which showed modest financial improvements.
Trump has previously suggested privatizing the USPS. However, privatization would likely exclude rural areas from mail service due to cost inefficiency. Private companies cannot profitably deliver mail to every address in America.
The White House has denied any plans to take over the postal service through an executive order. A spokesperson told CNN, “No such EO is in the works,” and Secretary Lutnick is not advocating for one. However, the White House has remained silent on the idea of privatizing the USPS.
Several countries have privatized their postal services. Privatizing the USPS, a 250-year-old institution predating the United States, could fundamentally alter mail delivery in America. Current law requires USPS to serve all addresses, even those too costly for private companies.
Private companies, such as United Parcel Service, often rely on the USPS for the “last mile” of delivery. This partnership underscores the importance of the USPS in the logistics chain. In December, then-President-elect Trump mentioned that privatizing the USPS was “not the worst idea.”
Trump acknowledged that privatization has long been a popular idea among some. He indicated that his administration was considering it. During his first term, Trump abandoned plans to privatize the USPS in 2018.
The unfolding situation promises to spark significant debate. Congress has been relatively quiet about the executive branch’s encroachment on its domain. However, this silence is unlikely to endure.
