Louis DeJoy Resigns as USPS Postmaster General: What’s Next for the Postal Service?

​Louis DeJoy, who has served as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) since June 2020, officially resigned from his position on Monday, March 24, 2025. DeJoy's departure marks the end of a nearly five-year tenure characterized by significant restructuring efforts aimed at addressing the agency's longstanding financial challenges.​

Tenure and Restructuring Efforts

Upon his appointment during President Donald Trump's administration, DeJoy inherited an organization grappling with substantial financial losses, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mail volume and operations. In response, he introduced the "Delivering for America" plan in 2021, a 10-year strategy designed to modernize USPS operations, reduce costs, and enhance service efficiency. This initiative aimed to cut projected losses from over $160 billion to $80 billion over a decade.

Key components of DeJoy's plan included workforce reductions, with approximately 30,000 positions eliminated since 2021 and an additional 10,000 cuts planned through voluntary early retirement programs. These measures were intended to streamline operations and address the agency's financial deficits. ​

Controversies and Criticisms

DeJoy's tenure was not without controversy. His cost-cutting measures, such as consolidating delivery services and advocating for postage rate increases, drew criticism from various stakeholders. Between 2020 and 2025, the price of a First-Class domestic postage stamp rose from $0.55 to $0.73, prompting concerns about accessibility and affordability. ​

Additionally, DeJoy faced scrutiny over mail delays, particularly during the 2020 presidential election, which saw a surge in mail-in ballots due to the pandemic. Critics argued that operational changes implemented under his leadership contributed to these delays, raising questions about the agency's preparedness for high-demand periods. ​

Privatization Discussions and Political Implications

The resignation comes amid renewed discussions about the potential privatization of USPS. President Trump has proposed integrating the Postal Service into the Commerce Department, suggesting that such a merger could enhance efficiency and reduce financial losses. This proposal has been met with resistance from various quarters, including the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), which warns that privatization could lead to diminished service quality, particularly in rural communities. 

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also identified USPS as a candidate for privatization. DeJoy had recently signed an agreement allowing DOGE to collaborate with USPS on improving the management of retirement assets and the Workers’ Compensation Program, which he described as "mismanaged." 

Impact on Postal Workers and Public Response

The restructuring efforts and potential privatization have sparked protests among postal workers nationwide. In Houston, USPS employees and community members rallied against the proposed changes, emphasizing the vital role of the Postal Service in delivering essential items, especially to underserved rural areas. Critics argue that privatization could lead to higher postage prices and reduced service quality, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. ​

Transition and Future Outlook

Following DeJoy's resignation, Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will serve as the interim head of USPS until the Board of Governors appoints a permanent successor. The Board has engaged the executive search firm Egon Zehnder to assist in identifying suitable candidates, though no specific timeline has been established for the appointment. ​

As USPS navigates this leadership transition, the agency continues to face significant challenges, including declining mail volumes, financial deficits, and debates over its organizational structure and funding models. The outcome of these discussions will have profound implications for the future of mail delivery in the United States, particularly concerning service accessibility, pricing, and the potential role of private entities in postal operations.​

Conclusion

Louis DeJoy's resignation marks a pivotal moment for the United States Postal Service, an institution integral to the nation's communication infrastructure. As the agency seeks new leadership and contends with ongoing financial and operational challenges, the path forward will require careful consideration of the needs of the American public, the welfare of postal workers, and the broader implications of potential structural changes.