White House rejects Trump's plans to seize control of USPS

In February 2025, the White House strongly refuted claims that President Donald Trump was planning to place the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the authority of his administration. This speculation surfaced following a report which suggested that an executive order terminating the current governing board of USPS, and shifting oversight to the Commerce Department, was in the works. The USPS, which operates as an independent agency with a history of over 250 years, faces significant financial challenges, having reported losses nearing $10 billion for fiscal year 2024. Observers noted that Trump had previously remarked on the merits of privatizing USPS, further intensifying fears among postal workers and state representatives about the future of this essential service. The emergency meeting held by the governing board of USPS indicated their preparedness to take legal action if any executive order were to be executed. Republicans within the administration had hinted at restructuring USPS due to its poor financial performance and growing revenue challenges, influenced by competitors like Amazon. The potential privatization could alter the landscape of mail delivery, impacting services crucial to many Americans, from mail-in ballots and medications to deliveries of goods. Lawmakers, including Virginia’s Gerry Connolly and Ohio’s Marcy Kaptur, expressed alarm at the notion of privatizing a service that, under federal law, is mandated to serve the public fairly. They warned that such moves would disproportionately affect rural areas and marginalized groups who rely heavily on USPS for their mail needs. Critics of privatization characterized these proposed changes as an attack on citizens' rights to access crucial communications and services. In December 2024, Trump had previously acknowledged the idea of privatization during a press conference, suggesting it was a topic widely considered in the realm of postal service reform. Despite Trump's interest in transforming USPS, considerable legislative barriers exist, primarily stipulated under the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which ensures the service's neutrality from political influence. The act distinctly separates USPS from direct political meddling, underscoring its role as a public service. The possibility of executive action to take authority over USPS, amid ongoing financial troubles, has raised alarms not only among lawmakers but also among workers and advocates who view this potential maneuver as an existential threat to a critical national institution.