What Happens When We Privatize Public Services? A Look Into the Dangers of USPS Privatization

This paper examines the Trump administrations recent signaling toward the privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). Since 2009, USPS has been on the Government Accountability Office's 'high-risk list' due to troubling finances and significantly declining profits. Trump uses this claim to support his argument for privatization; however, this does not contextualize the entire problem, nor does it explore the potential dangers of privatizing public services. Through the use of government documents, news articles, proposals, and academic papers, I will break down the components of this argument for privatization and explore the hypothetical impacts of such a maneuver. After analyzing USPS' historical background, current debates, and projected outcomes, I will conclude with a set of policy recommendations based on these findings.