Washington, DC – Louis DeJoy, the head of the US Postal Service, announced his intention to resign after a nearly five-year tenure marked by significant challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic and surges in mail-in election ballots. DeJoy’s tenure also saw efforts to address financial losses through cost-cutting measures and operational changes.

In a letter to the Postal Service Board of Governors, DeJoy requested that they begin the process of finding his successor. He highlighted the Postal Service’s response to the pandemic and navigating through a period of heightened political tensions and economic challenges.

Taking office in 2020 during President Donald Trump’s first term, DeJoy implemented a 10-year plan to modernize operations and improve financial stability. He emphasized the need for rate hikes to stabilize the Postal Service’s finances and reduce dependency on government funding.

One key aspect of DeJoy’s plan was to streamline mail processing centers to make the delivery system more efficient and cost-effective. However, critics, including members of Congress, expressed concerns that these consolidations could impact rural mail delivery and slow down service.

During his tenure, DeJoy also oversaw two presidential elections that saw a significant increase in mail-in ballots. His cost-cutting measures, such as limiting overtime payments for postal workers, came under scrutiny for contributing to delays in mail delivery.

DeJoy emphasized his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to his successor and expressed readiness to assist in the process. His resignation marks the end of a period marked by challenges and controversies within the Postal Service.