Louis DeJoy, the controversial Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service, has announced his resignation after a tumultuous five-year tenure marked by significant reforms and intense scrutiny.
Is he resigning before Trump does something dramatic to the USPS?
At a Glance
- DeJoy announced his decision to step down after nearly five years as Postmaster General
- His tenure was marked by a 10-year operational overhaul aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency
- DeJoy faced criticism for mail delays and concerns about rural mail delivery
- The USPS reported increasing losses despite DeJoy’s efforts to achieve profitability
- DeJoy has requested the USPS Board of Governors to begin searching for his successor
A Controversial Appointment
Louis DeJoy, who took office as Postmaster General in 2020 during President Trump’s term, has announced his resignation – after becoming the first non-career postal employee to assume the role of Postmaster General in nearly two decades. His appointment immediately sparked controversy due to his background as a major fundraiser for President Trump, leading to calls for his removal from some Democrats.
So this isn’t a “resigning before he’s fired” kind of deal.
Maybe he knows something is about to happen…
DeJoy’s tenure coincided with unprecedented challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic and a surge in mail-in voting during two presidential elections. These circumstances placed extraordinary demands on the postal system and thrust the USPS into the spotlight of national politics.
At the heart of DeJoy’s controversial tenure was his ambitious 10-year plan, dubbed “Delivering for America,” which aimed to modernize operations and stabilize the agency’s finances. This plan included significant cost-cutting measures, such as consolidating mail processing facilities and implementing rate hikes.
However, these reforms led to widespread criticism, particularly regarding mail delays and concerns about service in rural areas. In a notable incident, a federal judge limited one of DeJoy’s practices before the 2020 election due to delivery delays, highlighting the intersection of his reforms with politically charged issues.
Despite DeJoy’s efforts to achieve profitability, the USPS continued to face significant financial challenges. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, the agency reported a nearly $10 billion loss, up from a $6.5 billion loss the previous year. These losses were attributed to substantial noncash contributions to worker compensation.
In response to these ongoing challenges, DeJoy has outlined plans to cut costs by over $4 billion and increase revenue by over $5 billion annually. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
As DeJoy prepares to step down, he has requested that the USPS Board of Governors begin searching for his successor. In his statement, he expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
The question, however, remains: do we even need the USPS anymore?
