The Root of Donald Trump's Criticism of the U.S. Postal Service

Amidst an election year, the former U.S. President, Donald Trump, has vehemently criticized the United States Postal Service (USPS), often portraying it as a threat to his campaign. This article delves into the reasons behind his contentious attitude and the broader implications for election integrity and the postal service.

Understanding Trump's Fears

On November 3, 2020, there was widespread speculation about the outcome of the United States presidential election. However, as David Pierson of The New York Times points out, the election results were tumultuous, with Trump fearing an overwhelming favor for the rival candidate, Joe Biden, due to the surge in mail-in voting.

A report by an analytics firm called 'Hawkfish' suggested that the electoral results would be a mirage on election night. Trump projected a massive victory with 408-130 electoral college votes. However, after the completion of the tallying of the postal votes, the projection drastically changed, with Joe Biden projected to win by 334-204 electoral college votes.

Pushing Back Against the Postal Service

With over 40% of votes being cast through the postal service, Trump went to great lengths to discredit the postal service and suppress mail-in voting. The high rate of postal voting is more prevalent in Democratic areas, which has fueled his criticism. He saw the growing usage of the postal service as a significant threat to his political standing.

Trump's actions can be traced back to a broader issue of trying to stop the majority of American citizens from voting, which is not surprising given the results typically favoring his opponent.

Critical Analysis and Financial Struggles

From a business standpoint, the financial performance of the USPS has been a cause for concern. According to Kevin O'Keefe, the USPS was heading towards a $20 billion shortfall by the end of the fiscal year, due to intensified competition and financial constraints. The frequency of shipping and delivery services has increased significantly over the years, and the postal service is now often perceived as outdated, failing to keep up with the needs of modern consumers.

The USPS, like other government entities, is funded primarily through federal tax dollars. While the postal service generates revenue from its services, it hasn't been able to keep up with the demand for modern, efficient delivery services. This has led to a funding shortfall, with the postal service being at odds with the growing e-commerce landscape, which is increasingly turning to private rival delivery companies for faster and more reliable services.

Addressing the Criticism and Moving Forward

Trump's harsh stance on the postal service not only reflects his specific campaign strategy but also signals a wider issue within the U.S. postal system. The service plays a critical role in American democracy, but its financial challenges have been a matter of concern among its stakeholders.

While it's essential to recognize the mail-in voting issues in states implementing the system last-minute, the integrity of the election system should remain a priority. States with a long-standing tradition of mail-in voting have managed to operate effectively without significant issues. However, the tight timing in some states has raised concerns about the potential for voter fraud.

As we reflect on the criticisms and the changing dynamics of the postal service, it is crucial for policymakers, the business community, and the public to work together in addressing these challenges. Trump's actions and the resulting debates highlight the need for a robust and efficient postal service that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society.