U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has announced his resignation, confirming a decision that has sparked discussions about the future of the United States Postal Service (USPS). In a statement released Monday, DeJoy cited his belief that the organization is in a solid position to move forward with its ongoing transformation and modernization efforts. He mentioned, ‘I believe strongly that the organization is well positioned and capable of carrying forward and fully implementing the many strategies and initiatives that comprise our transformation and modernization.’

As DeJoy steps down, Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will lead the USPS until a new Postmaster General is appointed by the governing board. This change comes amidst controversies surrounding DeJoy’s management and calls for significant reforms. Last month, DeJoy had requested that the USPS Board of Governors commence the search for his successor, signaling his intention to retire from the position he has held since 2020, during the first term of former President Donald Trump.

In recent developments, DeJoy’s departure aligns with reports that President Trump’s administration is entertaining ideas of privatizing the USPS, which has long faced scrutiny over its financial challenges. Legal experts have warned that any move to transfer USPS operations to the Commerce Department could violate the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which established the postal service as an independent agency.

Trump has previously indicated support for privatizing the USPS, resulting in nationwide protests spearheaded by unions in response to perceived judicial overreach and threats to public services. DeJoy’s tenure has been notably marked by changes in mail processing and service delivery, which critics have argued have negatively impacted rural communities and broader USPS operations.