The reasons why Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has not been fired yet are rooted in the legal and structural framework of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Here are the key points based on available information:
Authority to Fire: The President of the United States does not have the direct authority to fire the Postmaster General. This authority lies with the USPS Board of Governors, which has the power to both appoint and remove the Postmaster General.
Board of Governors Composition: The Board of Governors consists of nine members, with no more than five from the same political party. The President can nominate new members to the board, but these nominations must be confirmed by the Senate. Even with a majority of Biden-appointed members, the decision to remove DeJoy requires a majority vote of the governors in office.
Political and Practical Considerations: There have been instances where Biden could have potentially influenced the board’s composition to remove DeJoy, but several factors have complicated this:
Loyalty and Support: Some board members appointed by Biden or previously in place have shown support or neutrality towards DeJoy, reducing the likelihood of a unanimous decision to remove him. Vacancies and Confirmation: Delays in filling board vacancies or the confirmation of new members by the Senate have maintained a status quo that supports DeJoy’s continuation.Legal Constraints: Federal law allows the President to terminate governors “only for cause,” which adds a layer of complexity to changing the board’s composition to oust DeJoy.
Public and Political Pressure: Despite significant public and political pressure from Democrats and various groups for DeJoy’s removal due to his controversial policies and perceived conflicts of interest, the board’s decision-making process has not yet resulted in his dismissal.
DeJoy’s Tenure and Policies: DeJoy, appointed by Trump, has implemented policies aimed at cost-cutting and restructuring, which have been criticized for degrading service quality. However, these changes are part of a long-term plan that the board might be reluctant to disrupt mid-implementation.In summary, DeJoy’s continued tenure as Postmaster General reflects the complex interplay of legal authority, political strategy, and the operational independence of the USPS from direct presidential control. His position is maintained by the current composition and decisions of the Board of Governors.