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• President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to take control of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
• The order would dissolve the USPS governing board and transfer control to the Commerce Department.
• This move is part of a broader strategy that has included discussions about privatizing the USPS.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order that would significantly alter the structure and control of the U.S. Postal Service. This move involves dismantling the current governing board of the USPS and placing the agency under the control of the Commerce Department. This development follows previous discussions about privatizing the Postal Service, a concept that has garnered both support and criticism.

Core Players

• President Donald Trump – President of the United States
• Howard Lutnick – Secretary of the Commerce Department
• Mark Dimondstein – President of the American Postal Workers Union
• U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – Independent agency of the U.S. federal government
• Commerce Department – Federal executive department responsible for promoting economic growth

Key Numbers

• $9.5 billion – USPS loss in the 2024 fiscal year
• 1970 – Year the Postal Reorganization Act established USPS as an independent entity
• 100% – Universal service obligation ensuring consistent rates nationwide

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The impending executive order is driven by President Trump’s long-held interest in restructuring the USPS. In December 2024, President Trump expressed interest in privatizing the Postal Service, citing it as an idea that many people have favored for a long time.

This move is part of a broader effort to address the financial woes of the USPS, which reported a $9.5 billion loss in the 2024 fiscal year.

Inside Forces

The USPS operates under a “universal service obligation,” which mandates delivery to every address, regardless of location. This obligation is a cornerstone of the USPS’s mission and is particularly crucial for rural areas.

Privatization or federal control could potentially end this universal service, leading to concerns about price gouging and reduced service in less profitable areas.

Power Dynamics

The USPS governing board has indicated it will take legal action if President Trump attempts to restructure the agency without congressional approval. The board argues that such a move would violate federal law, specifically the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970.

President Trump’s plan to place the USPS under the Commerce Department’s control highlights a power struggle between the executive branch and the independent agency.

Outside Impact

The potential changes could have significant implications for rural communities and the broader economy. Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, warned that privatization would lead to the end of universal service and result in price-gouging by private companies.

The move also raises concerns about job security for USPS employees and the impact on mail delivery services nationwide.

Future Forces

The future of the USPS hangs in the balance as President Trump’s executive order sets the stage for a potential legal battle and congressional scrutiny. The outcome will depend on whether the move is deemed lawful and whether it can gain necessary legislative support.

Potential next steps include:

• Legal challenges from the USPS governing board
• Congressional review and potential legislative action
• Public and stakeholder reactions influencing policy decisions

Data Points

• 1970 – Postal Reorganization Act established USPS as an independent entity
• 2024 – Fiscal year in which USPS reported a $9.5 billion loss
• December 2024 – President Trump expressed interest in privatizing USPS
• February 2025 – Expected month for President Trump’s executive order