Facing financial struggles, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) could be sold, prompting postal worker unions to mobilize under the slogan, “The U.S. mail is not for sale.”
Organized by the American Postal Workers Union, rallies are planned in 150 cities, including Minneapolis and Duluth, to oppose Trump’s potential plan to privatize the USPS. Protesters argue that privatization would increase rates and lead to post office closures.
In a recent letter to Congress, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stated that a buyout would cut 10,000 jobs in the coming month and save billions. However, the protests are focused on Trump’s broader plans, including placing USPS under the Commerce Department—an action legal experts say would violate the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which established USPS as an independent agency.
Union leaders believe privatization would primarily benefit Wall Street investors, pointing to a Wells Fargo report suggesting it would boost competitors like FedEx and UPS. They warn that service reductions, especially in rural areas, would follow.
USPS, historically funded by stamp sales rather than taxes, has faced financial challenges due to shifts to digital communication and declining print media. Postal unions are lobbying Congress, arguing that many rural communities, particularly those in GOP-led districts, rely heavily on USPS and would face significant cost increases if forced to use private delivery services.
Concerns have also been raised about DeJoy’s reported agreement with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to downsize USPS. While DeJoy, a Trump appointee, previously won union support by preserving six-day mail service and backing legislation that stabilized USPS finances, his recent statements suggest further cutbacks are on the horizon.
Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Angie Craig, have voiced skepticism about the proposed changes, fearing broader downsizing and privatization efforts. A recent USPS report showed Minnesota ranked 38th in on-time mail delivery, further fueling concerns about service disruptions.
In a letter co-signed by 158 lawmakers, Craig and others warned Trump against privatization, calling it a betrayal of the 640,000 postal workers and a threat to consumers and businesses that depend on USPS daily.
