US Postal Service faces uncertain future as Trump eyes privatisation|

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is currently navigating a period of turbulence amid a proposed restructuring plan by former President Donald Trump. The upheaval follows the resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who stepped down last month after a five-year tenure marked by financial challenges and attempts at reform. Concerns have escalated over the fate of the 249-year-old federal agency, with fears that it could undergo sweeping changes under a newly conceptualised “department of government efficiency” spearheaded by Elon Musk.

Reports indicate potential plans to dissolve the USPS’s bipartisan board of governors, transferring operational control to the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. Trump has expressed intentions to reform the institution, citing operational inefficiencies and profit losses, and recently stated that the agency may undergo a partial merger to enhance its effectiveness. Despite this, public sentiment remains overwhelmingly supportive of the postal service, with a Pew Research survey revealing that 91% of Americans hold the USPS in high regard.

The USPS’s financial struggles have become a point of contention. The agency reported a $6.9 billion loss in 2025, a reduction from the $9.5 billion loss recorded the previous year. While a $144 million profit was achieved in the first quarter of 2025—excluding pension and healthcare obligations—the road to self-sustainability remains challenging. DeJoy highlighted these challenges in his resignation letter, emphasising persistent resistance from various stakeholders with vested interests.

Political divisions over the future of the postal service highlight stark ideological differences. Republicans view the USPS primarily as a business, whereas Democrats emphasise its importance as national infrastructure, comparing it to the country’s highway system. Any moves towards privatisation or diminished independence have met fierce resistance. Last week, Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly urged Trump to abandon plans for privatisation, warning that such a measure would undermine the affordability and reliability of the service.

The USPS is widely recognised as an integral public service. Historically, its operations have not only fostered economic activity but also played a critical role in maintaining national cohesion by delivering essential mail and connecting remote communities. Advocacy groups have expressed concern that operational slowdowns or cutbacks could disproportionately impact rural areas, often Republican strongholds.

Amid these developments, speculation continues over Elon Musk’s potential involvement in reforming the USPS. Critics argue that such a step mirrors a private equity takeover strategy, potentially involving significant employee layoffs alongside drastic cost-cutting measures. Proponents of privatisation, however, still argue for the benefits of increased efficiency and streamlined operations to compete with private-sector giants such as FedEx and UPS.

The roads ahead for the USPS remain unclear as stakeholders on both sides brace for potential reforms. What remains certain is the enduring importance of the institution to American society. As debates over its future intensify, the next steps will likely prove pivotal for its survival as a cornerstone of federal infrastructure.