Summary

Donald Trump plans to take control of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) by firing its governing board and placing it under the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Experts warn the move likely violates federal law, as USPS was established as an independent entity under the 1970 Postal Reorganization Act.

The Postal Board, in an emergency meeting, has hired legal counsel and gave instructions to sue the White House if the president removed board members or altered the agency’s independent status.

Trump has long criticized the USPS and has floated privatization, sparking backlash over concerns of political interference and mail disruptions.

  • pjwestin@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Reminder that the Post Office is only losing money because of a 2006 law that forces them to fund their retirement plan for 75 years in advance, which is an insane burden that no nother agency or private corporation undertakes. Also, even if it does lose money, it doesn’t matter because the USPS isn’t a business. It’s a government service provided for the public good.

    • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Also, even if it does lose money, it doesn’t matter because the USPS isn’t a business. It’s a government service provided for the public good.

      All good points, but this is the most important one. We need to stop accepting the bullshit framing of the extremist radical right wing that sees everything as a business.

  • ArtVandelay@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    How long until “un-patriotic” mail from progressive institutions is no longer delivered? Democratic mail in ballots? Oopsies, right in the trash.

  • chronicledmonocle@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Just wait until the USPS is gone and all federal/tax docs have to be mailed via UPS or FedEx. You think it costs a lot to run the USPS? Just wait until a Duopoly can charge whatever they want. All the fuckers that voted for this are going to find out.

    There is a reason only USPS delivers in rural America and the private companies use them for last mile delivery.

  • vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works
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    2 months ago

    Honestly given how USPS is largely independent and even has their own form of law enforcement I suspect they may actually have thr resources required to outright oppose Trump. Also if Musk tries to just walk in and break shit they have the opportunity to do the funniest thing possible.