Trump Administration Plans To Fire USPS Oversight Board Members

Donald Trump Former U.S. President Trump hosts a campaign rally, in Rome, Georgia

Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration is contemplating significant changes to the oversight of the US Postal Service. The administration is reportedly considering the dismissal of members of the independent government board that currently oversees the Postal Service, a move that could potentially pave the way for privatization.

According to sources cited in publications such as The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump is said to be planning to disband the Postal Regulatory Commission and place the agency under the direct control of the Commerce Department and Secretary Howard Lutnick. While the White House and Postal Service have not officially commented on these reports, a White House official has denied that Trump intends to sign such an order.

If the Postal Service were to be privatized, it could have far-reaching implications for Americans. The service, which has a history dating back 250 years, plays a crucial role in delivering a wide range of items, including online purchases, prescription drugs, checks, and vote-by-mail ballots. Privatization could potentially lead to changes such as the end of universal delivery to all homes and businesses, as well as alterations to the current system of last-mile delivery utilized by private firms like United Parcel Service.

Reports suggest USPS could be placed under Commerce Department control.

Trump administration may dismiss USPS oversight board members.

Privatization could impact universal delivery and last-mile services.

While President Trump has previously expressed openness to the idea of privatizing the USPS, any such move would likely require Congressional approval due to existing federal laws governing the service. These laws include mandates for universal delivery and prohibitions on USPS employee strikes. The USPS, with its large unionized workforce of 600,000 employees, is one of the nation's largest unionized employers.

Despite ongoing financial challenges faced by the Postal Service, including recent losses, it reported a net income of $144 million for the final quarter of 2024. The potential changes being considered by the Trump administration could have significant implications for the future of mail delivery in the United States.