President Donald Trump has proposed placing the U.S. Postal Service under the control of the Commerce Department in an effort to address the agency’s financial struggles. The move, which would mark an executive branch takeover of the Postal Service, aims to improve its operations and financial performance. The agency, operating independently since 1970, has faced challenges with declining first-class mail volumes and mounting losses.

Established in 1775, the Postal Service has a rich history and plays a crucial role in American society, employing around 640,000 workers responsible for delivering mail, packages, and essential items across the nation. The agency’s reorganization in 1970 granted workers pay raises and collective bargaining rights, benefiting diverse communities and contributing to the growth of the middle class.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, appointed during Trump’s administration, has faced various challenges during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to address financial losses through operational changes. The Postal Service Board of Governors, responsible for appointing the postmaster general, plays a key role in overseeing the agency’s operations.

Funding for the USPS primarily comes from customer fees, with a small annual appropriation from Congress. Despite efforts to modernize operations and reduce losses, the agency has accumulated significant deficits over the years. Critics have raised concerns about potential service disruptions and the impact of further consolidations on rural mail delivery.

Trump’s views on the Postal Service have been critical, with past suggestions to privatize the agency and calls for rate hikes for large customers like Amazon. The ongoing discussions about the future of the USPS highlight the importance of addressing its financial challenges while maintaining quality service for all Americans.