WASHINGTON (AP) — Louis DeJoy, the head of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), has announced his decision to step down after nearly five years in office. His tenure saw major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in mail-in ballots, and financial struggles that led to cost-cutting measures.
On Monday, DeJoy formally asked the USPS Board of Governors to begin searching for his replacement. In his letter, he emphasized his commitment to transforming the postal service during a period of high inflation and political tension.
“We have served the American people through an unprecedented pandemic and through a period of high inflation and sensationalized politics,” DeJoy wrote.
DeJoy, a former logistics business owner and Republican donor, took office in 2020 under former President Donald Trump. Unlike his predecessors, he was the first postmaster general in nearly two decades who was not a career USPS employee.
His 10-year plan aimed to modernize USPS operations and reduce financial losses. However, his leadership was marked by controversial changes, including service reductions and higher postage rates. He previously warned Americans to expect “uncomfortable” price hikes as USPS worked to stabilize its finances.
With DeJoy stepping down, the focus now shifts to who will lead USPS next. The Board of Governors will oversee the search for his successor, who will inherit the challenges of modernizing the agency while maintaining affordable and reliable mail services. – AP
