President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly exploring plans to privatize the United States Postal Service (USPS), according to a report published Sunday by The Washington Post.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump has discussed the idea with close allies and members of his transition team as part of broader plans to reduce federal costs and improve efficiency.

Discussions about the USPS privatization reportedly occurred during meetings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

According to sources, Trump raised the issue with Howard Lutnick, his nominee for commerce secretary and co-chair of his presidential transition team.

In early December, Trump also sought feedback on the matter from a group of transition officials, one source told The Washington Post.

The USPS has faced ongoing financial difficulties, reporting a $9.5 billion loss for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

Declining mail volume and rising operational costs have contributed to its financial strain, raising questions about the agency’s sustainability under its current structure.

The potential privatization of the USPS has drawn mixed reactions, particularly regarding its impact on e-commerce companies such as Amazon.

The Post highlighted concerns that privatization could disrupt shipping rates and delivery services for businesses dependent on USPS operations.

Notably, Amazon’s executive chairman Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, is reportedly donating $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.

The USPS has come under scrutiny by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

WILD: US Postmaster General covers his ears in protest as GA Rep. Rich McCormick blasts him for giving himself an ‘A Grade’ for running USPS:

McCORMICK: “You cannot give yourself that grade.”

DeJOY: “I just did….You’re talking to yourself.”

McCORMICK: “I hope you got that… pic.twitter.com/vO0DH0rENp

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 11, 2024

While neither Musk nor Ramaswamy has explicitly called for privatization, the mission of DOGE aligns with the goal of reducing federal spending and streamlining government operations.

Members of the DOGE panel have reportedly held preliminary discussions about overhauling the Postal Service.

The agency has become a key target for cost-cutting initiatives spearheaded by Republican lawmakers and Trump allies. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who will chair a DOGE subcommittee, criticized the USPS for wasteful spending in a statement posted on X. “This is a Democrat Green New Deal scam that’s throwing your money away. It has to stop!” Greene wrote.

Here’s another HUGE waste of money by the USPS!

$10 BILLION for electric postal trucks adding up to around $166K each.

The defense contractor was supposed to build 80 a day but has only made 93 in almost two year.

This is a Democrat Green New Deal scam that’s throwing your… pic.twitter.com/GXOxDCHJKP

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 13, 2024

The USPS’s involvement in the Biden administration’s climate agenda has also drawn criticism from conservatives.

As part of a multibillion-dollar plan to transition federal vehicles to electric, the USPS received just 93 electric Oshkosh trucks, sparking questions about the effectiveness and expense of the program.

Founded in 1775, the USPS predates the United States itself, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the first postmaster general.

Despite its historic significance, the agency has become a focal point for debate over its future role and structure.

Advocates of privatization argue it could improve efficiency and reduce taxpayer burdens, while opponents warn of potential disruptions to mail service and increased costs for consumers.

Although Trump has not made any official announcements regarding USPS privatization, the ongoing discussions signal potential changes to the agency’s operations.

As the president-elect continues to shape his administration, the Postal Service could face significant reforms under the banner of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sean Parnell. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.