//Trump Administration Eyes USPS Takeover Amid Postal Service’s First Profit in Years//
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is bracing for a potential takeover by the Trump administration, as concerns grow over an executive order that could place the agency under the Department of Commerce. The Board of Governors of USPS, which oversees the service, has retained outside legal counsel to fight any attempt to dissolve its leadership.
Emergency Meeting Over Looming Takeover
On Wednesday, February 19, the Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, setting off alarm bells at USPS. Lutnick, a close Trump ally and businessman, has previously discussed plans to restructure the Postal Service and move it under the Commerce Department. Following his confirmation, the USPS Board of Governors held an emergency meeting, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The White House has denied any active plans for an executive order to take control of the Postal Service, but Trump’s public comments suggest otherwise. During Lutnick’s swearing-in ceremony, Trump hinted that the new Commerce Secretary would be “looking at” USPS, adding:
“We’re losing so much money with the Postal Service, and we don’t want to lose that kind of money. So the Secretary and some others that have talent, that kind of talent, we’ll be looking at it.”
However, USPS recently reported a $144 million net profit, marking its first profitable quarter since 2006, according to the Pew Research Center. This success raises questions about the justification for a takeover, especially since USPS is mandated by the Constitution and operates as an independent government agency.
Legal and Constitutional Hurdles
Despite Trump’s past attempts to reshape USPS, legal experts believe an executive order dissolving the Postal Service’s leadership could be unconstitutional.
- The U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the authority to establish a postal system.
- USPS was created by an act of Congress, meaning it cannot be privatized or dismantled without congressional approval.
- A potential takeover would likely face legal challenges, as previous Trump-era restructuring efforts have been blocked by courts.
Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, condemned the takeover discussions, calling it an “attack on the postal service.”
“The takeover would reduce service, especially to rural America, raise rates, close post offices, and profit from what is property owned by the American people.”
Dimondstein urged Americans to push back against any attempts to weaken or privatize the USPS, emphasizing its vital role in everyday life, particularly for rural communities, small businesses, and seniors who rely on mail services for medication deliveries.
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Federal Government Overhaul
The potential USPS shake-up is part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape the federal government, spearheaded by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
With Trump’s aggressive push to restructure federal agencies, the USPS appears to be the next target in a sweeping effort to centralize control and eliminate independent oversight.
A Long-Standing Feud with USPS
Trump has had a contentious relationship with USPS since his first term.
- In 2020, he repeatedly criticized mail-in voting, claiming it led to election fraud—a claim widely debunked by election officials.
- His appointed Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, was accused of deliberately slowing mail delivery ahead of the election.
- Trump opposed emergency funding for USPS, despite the pandemic causing a surge in vote-by-mail ballots.
This tension never fully subsided. DeJoy recently announced plans to step down, reportedly after tense meetings with the Trump administration. His strained relationship with both Trump and Lutnick likely played a role in his departure.
“Trump doesn’t view the USPS as a service,” a source close to the president stated. “He still has issues with mail-in voting.”
What Happens Next?
The USPS remains in limbo, awaiting Trump’s next move. While no executive order has been signed, the board’s decision to hire legal counsel signals they are preparing for a fight.
At a time when the Postal Service is finally turning a profit, its future remains uncertain under Trump’s second term. The next few weeks could determine whether USPS remains independent or falls under Commerce Department control—a move that could reshape how Americans receive mail and packages for years to come.
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