A report that President Donald Trump is planning to take control of the U.S. Post Office has raised concern on both sides of the political spectrum.
The Washington Post first reported yesterday that Trump is preparing an executive order that would absorb the semi-independent post office into the Commerce Department, and fire members of the current governing board.
That could lead to the eventual privatization of the nation’s mail service.
Legal experts say the proposed takeover would violate existing laws that protect the Postal Service’s independence.
Democratic U.S. Senator Gary Peters called the proposed action completely illegal, and said it would harm veterans, small business owners, rural communities, and all Americans.
In a letter to the current Board of Governors, Republican First District U.S. Representative Jack Bergman renewed his call for prioritization of rural mail service. The Postal Service recently announced a plan to close its Iron Mountain distribution center, and move its operations to Green Bay.
That plan is on hold, following objections raised by Bergman and other lawmakers.
