Thousands of postal workers and supporters rallied across the country on Sunday, pushing back against efforts to privatize or restructure the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) organized protests in over 200 cities, warning that such changes could threaten jobs and disrupt essential mail services.
Why Are Postal Workers Protesting?
The demonstrations come in response to reports that President Donald Trump is considering moving the USPS under the Commerce Department—or even privatizing it entirely. Billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has also voiced support for privatization, saying:
“We should privatize anything that can reasonably be privatized… including the Post Office.”
Adding to concerns, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy recently announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs through early retirements. Many fear these moves could dismantle the USPS, which serves millions of Americans, especially in rural areas.
Protests Across the Nation
Workers in cities like Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington, D.C., took to the streets, holding signs and chanting against privatization.
In Chicago, postal workers packed Federal Plaza, wearing red shirts with the slogan “Fight Like Hell.” The Chicago Federation of Labor posted a message on social media directed at Trump and Musk:
“You’re in for a FIGHT if you think you’re gonna privatize the USPS! Hell no!!! Hands off our postal service!”
Lawmakers also joined the demonstrations. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota called the USPS overhaul a “hostile takeover,” while Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin declared:
“HELL NO to Trump’s plans to privatize USPS. The postal service is right there in the Constitution—it’s meant to serve every American, in every zip code!”
What’s Next for USPS?
The battle over the future of the USPS is far from over. While DeJoy’s job cuts are expected to take effect by mid-April, any move to merge USPS into the Commerce Department would require congressional approval—setting up a potential legal and political fight.
For now, postal workers and their supporters remain firm: they won’t back down without a fight.