Former President Donald Trump has confirmed his consideration of privatizing the United States Postal Service (USPS) as part of his potential second administration, citing its financial losses and changes in delivery demands due to companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx. During a press conference in Palm Beach, Trump stated, “There is talk about the Postal Service being taken private … it’s an idea that a lot of people have liked for a long time. We’re looking at it.” This aligns with recent reports suggesting Trump has discussed the plan with Howard Lutnick, his commerce secretary pick and transition team leader.
Privatization efforts have already gained traction under Trump-appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who has faced significant criticism for actions that allegedly undermined USPS operations. Under DeJoy’s tenure, on-time delivery rates dropped, especially in marginalized communities, as mail sorting machines were removed and destroyed. Critics have accused DeJoy of deliberately weakening the institution to justify privatization, while pointing to his questionable investments. Congressional hearings have also highlighted concerns about his leadership, with DeJoy maintaining that USPS’s struggles validate the need for privatization.
The idea of privatizing USPS has sparked widespread opposition. Critics argue that such a move would harm millions of Americans, particularly those in rural areas who rely heavily on USPS for affordable mail delivery. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith called the USPS an “essential public service” enshrined in the Constitution, warning that privatization would disproportionately hurt vulnerable communities. Public outcry emphasizes the risks of higher costs and reduced accessibility if USPS transitions to a profit-driven model.