Progressive leaders and advocates are uniting to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s apparent plans to privatize the United States Postal Service (USPS). Recent reports suggest that Trump is actively exploring avenues to transform the USPS into a for-profit entity, a move that has sparked significant backlash from those who view the postal service as an essential public institution.
According to a Washington Post report published on Saturday, Trump has been discussing the privatization of the USPS with key figures in his incoming administration. The report cites three individuals familiar with the matter, revealing that Trump is “keen” on implementing a privatization scheme that would transfer control of the USPS to private interests. These discussions took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate with Howard Lutnick, his chosen candidate for Commerce Secretary and co-chair of his presidential transition team. Additionally, Trump convened a group of transition officials earlier this month to solicit their opinions on the potential privatization of the agency.
Trump’s primary justification for these discussions is the USPS’s financial performance. The postal service has reported significant annual losses, which Trump argues should not be subsidized by the government. “Told of the mail agency’s annual financial losses, Trump said the government should not subsidize the organization,” the Washington Post reported, based on conversations with anonymous sources. This stance aligns with Trump’s documented hostility towards government programs that serve the public interest, including Medicare, Social Security, public education, and consumer protection agencies.
During his first term, Trump’s administration took steps that many critics viewed as attempts to undermine the USPS from within. Notably, Trump appointed Louis DeJoy, a former logistics industry executive, as Postmaster General. DeJoy’s tenure has been controversial, with numerous accusations that his policies aim to diminish the agency’s effectiveness, making it easier to justify its eventual dismantling. Despite persistent calls to remove DeJoy, he remains in his position, even during Biden’s administration.
Financially, the USPS is grappling with substantial challenges. For the fiscal year ending September 30, the USPS reported a loss of $9.5 billion, a figure that reflects both declining mail volumes and underperformance in its parcel shipping business. Moreover, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 has imposed nearly $80 billion in liabilities on the USPS, primarily due to mandated pre-funding of retirement benefits for postal workers. Progressive critics argue that these financial woes are not a result of operational inefficiencies but rather the burdensome and unnecessary financial obligations imposed by legislation.
In response to Trump’s privatization efforts, progressive leaders have voiced strong opposition. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) emphasized the constitutional significance of the USPS, stating, “The Post Office is in our constitution. There is no way we let Donald Trump privatize it. Fire his former pick for postmaster, DeJoy, and let a real professional run it like it should be run. The first priority is delivering mail. Cut the Pentagon’s bloat if you want to save money.” Similarly, former Ohio state senator Nina Turner highlighted the USPS’s vital role in everyday American life, particularly for seniors in rural areas: “72% of Americans approve of the U.S. Postal Service, it’s how many seniors receive medication, especially in rural areas.”
Progressive defenders also point to the USPS’s historical resilience and public support. Founded in 1775, the USPS has been a cornerstone of American infrastructure, becoming a financially self-sustaining agency in 1970. A 2024 Pew Research Center study cited by the Washington Post revealed that the USPS remains one of the most well-liked federal agencies, with broad public approval and reliance on its services.
Economic and social experts support the progressive stance against privatization. Micah Rasmussen, director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, stated, “No matter what your partisan stripe, we should be able to agree the United States Postal Service is a crucial asset that was built and is owned by all of us, and there is zero mandate from the public to turn it over to an oligarch.” This sentiment underscores the belief that the USPS serves a fundamental public interest that cannot be adequately addressed by private entities driven by profit motives.
The potential privatization of the USPS raises significant concerns about service disruptions and employment. Privatizing the agency could lead to interruptions in consumer shipping and business supply chains, as well as the loss of hundreds of thousands of federal jobs. The USPS’s ability to deliver nearly 98% of voters’ ballots within three days during the 2020 election, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies its critical role in maintaining essential services under pressure.
Moreover, the legislative and constitutional barriers to privatization are formidable. The USPS is established as a government-owned entity with a constitutional mandate to provide postal services. Any move to privatize it would require substantial legislative changes and likely face significant legal challenges.
As the debate over the USPS’s future intensifies, progressive voices remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the agency as a public service. They argue that the USPS is not only a beloved institution but also an indispensable component of American society, ensuring access to essential services for millions of Americans.
“The United States Postal Service is a crucial asset that was built and is owned by all of us, and there is zero mandate from the public to turn it over to an oligarch,” affirmed Micah Rasmussen, Director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University.
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