this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2024
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Summary

Donald Trump is considering privatizing the US Postal Service due to its financial losses, a move that could disrupt shipping and push hundreds of thousands of federal workers out of government.

Citing the USPS’s financial losses, Trump argued the agency should not rely on government subsidies.

While his specific privatization plans remain unclear, Trump previously clashed with the USPS during his first term, attempting to shift control of key functions like labor relations and rate-setting to the Treasury Department.

This move could significantly alter the structure and operations of the USPS if implemented.

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[–] CitricBase@lemmy.world 117 points 4 days ago (6 children)

The postal service doesn't lose money, it costs money.

By this logic, the interstate highway system and the military both lose billions! Is Trump going to privatize them too?

[–] MyPornViewingAccount@lemmy.world 88 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Thats not even a true statement.

The postal service makes money, but any surpless is automatically taken by Congress.

In the early 2000s the GOP passed a law requiring the postal service to upfront load the retirement funds of new employees, creating a massive debt burden.

Also, Congress has removed their ability to modernize equipment and fleets, forcing them to continue repairing aged equipment.

Not to mention, DeJoy, Trump's installment during his first term, has done everything he can to dismantle any modernization because he wants the Post Office sold at rock bottom prices so he can buy it, get this, because he owns competing companies.

[–] dan@upvote.au 6 points 4 days ago (2 children)

modernize equipment and fleets

They're getting those new electric trucks though.

[–] JordanZ@lemmy.world 25 points 4 days ago (1 children)
[–] Joeffect@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago

And the company making them isn't doing the best job at it... Even though they got a shot ton of money and have only made like 90 of these things of the 3000 they are contracted for

[–] MyPornViewingAccount@lemmy.world 14 points 4 days ago (1 children)

They were getting new electric fleets, the Umpa-lumpa in chief already said hes canx'ing that.

[–] Tikiporch@lemmy.world 11 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I, too, have trouble remembering how many "L" s are in canceling.

[–] HK65@sopuli.xyz 9 points 3 days ago

Education is being defunded too.

[–] BlindFrog@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

Further reading: https://www.nalc.org/news/the-postal-record/2022/may-2022/document/Postal-reform.pdf

I skipped to the part about 2003 - if my reading comprehension is right, USPS was in the black. When congress noticed, they made financial magic by using the pension funding mandate to help hide how bad the federal deficit had ballooned during that administration? This is such political theater.

Yeah, I consulted chatgpt for sources on the history behind why that 75-year funding requirement was enacted. The other link it gave me was this: https://www.epi.org/press/news_from_epi_retiree_health_pre-funding_is_primary_cause_of_usps_shor/

Was there a better reason Pension Funding was even brought up as an issue worth legislating for? Was there some scare trend of businesses scamming people out of their pensions? Source?

[–] enbyecho@lemmy.world 9 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Don't forget National and State parks - public lands in general. WhY ArEn'T tHeY tUrNiNg a PRooooFiT??

[–] CitricBase@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

You're right, and that one isn't even hyperbole. They earnestly want to turn the parks into oil fields and cut down the forests.

[–] enbyecho@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

"Land of Many Abuses"

[–] skeezix@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Dont forget the fire department

[–] enbyecho@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago
[–] catloaf@lemm.ee 8 points 4 days ago

Don't give him ideas. He probably would.

[–] AgentOrangesicle@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago

Can't spend money on sinfrastructure.

Get ready for more train derailments!

[–] x00z@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago

Don't give it ideas.

[–] Akasazh@feddit.nl 1 points 3 days ago

Don't tell the Trump administration about the toll highway system in France