WASHINGTON, DC – Louis DeJoy, the U.S. Postmaster General, announced his resignation, effective Monday, after seeking assistance from Elon Musk’s government efficiency team. DeJoy, who has led the postal agency since 2020, surprised many with his sudden decision to step down.
In February, DeJoy had mentioned to the Postal Service governing board that he was looking for his successor, but his resignation was unexpected. This move comes amidst discussions about potentially merging the USPS with the Commerce Department, an idea proposed by former President Donald Trump, which drew criticism from Democrats.
Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, voiced his support for the privatization of USPS recently. DeJoy stated that Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will temporarily lead the agency until a permanent replacement is appointed by the postal board, who have already engaged a search firm to find a successor.
During his tenure, DeJoy made efforts to restructure USPS and reduce projected losses significantly. His strategies, including downsizing the workforce and revising contracts, mirrored those of the efficiency team led by Musk. Reports surfaced last month about potential executive orders from Trump targeting the USPS board of governors.
USPS, a massive agency with substantial financial challenges, has been the subject of various proposed changes in recent times. The departure of DeJoy raises questions about the future direction of the postal service and the potential implications of privatization on its operations and employees.
The White House has not commented on its involvement in DeJoy’s departure, emphasizing that there are ongoing developments surrounding the situation. As the story continues to unfold, observers will be closely monitoring how the leadership transition at USPS unfolds and what it could mean for the organization’s future.