Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has resigned from his position at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), effective immediately, as the agency faces significant scrutiny and potential restructuring under President Donald Trump and his administration. DeJoy’s departure marks the end of his tenure that began in June 2020 and encapsulated turbulent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased reliance on mail-in voting.

DeJoy, a former logistics executive and Republican donor, had been overseeing USPS during a challenging phase marked by substantial operating deficits, which have seen the agency accumulate losses exceeding $100 billion since 2007. In a statement announcing his resignation, DeJoy noted, “I believe strongly that the organization is well positioned and capable of carrying forward and fully implementing the many strategies and initiatives that comprise our transformation and modernization.” He emphasized that much work remains to maintain the agency's improved trajectory.

In February, DeJoy had indicated to the USPS Board of Governors the necessity for them to start the search for his successor. Until a permanent replacement is appointed, Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will serve as the interim leader. His resignation comes at a time when discussions about possibly privatizing USPS have heightened, with Trump suggesting plans to bring the agency under the oversight of the Department of Commerce.

While DeJoy's leadership focused on restructuring to cut costs, critics argued that his strategies, including post office consolidations and workforce reductions, adversely affected services, particularly in rural areas. As DeJoy departs, fears linger over the future of USPS and the implications of potential privatization under Trump's administration, a move that could violate existing laws regarding the independence of the postal service.

Reuters adds that various lawmakers, including some from the Democratic party, have challenged the notion of transferring USPS to a department traditionally focused on economic matters, raising concerns about undermining its operational independence. The discussion around USPS reform continues as pressures mount on the agency to recover from financial instability while maintaining its essential services to the public.