2020 Election Flashcards
Trump says he is refusing additional post office funding as part of his fight against mail-in voting - CNBC; 2020
President Donald Trump stated that additional coronavirus relief funding has stalled largely because Democrats want to allocate billions of dollars for the U.S. Postal Service and mail-in voting. Trump claims that without this funding, universal mail-in voting is not feasible. He asserts mail-in voting could lead to a “rigged” election, though experts dispute this. Democrats wish to include $25 billion for the Postal Service and $3.6 billion for election funding in their $3 trillion relief proposal to ensure safe voting conditions amid the pandemic. Talks have broken down as both sides are far apart on a deal.
New Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump supporter, has implemented operational changes at the Postal Service, causing widespread delays, which critics argue could affect the election’s integrity. DeJoy, criticized for these changes, insists he is not influenced by Trump and that the Postal Service can handle increased mail volume. Congressional Democrats have called for reversing these changes and propose legislation to prevent further changes during the pandemic. Trump, while supporting DeJoy, condemns the USPS for past mismanagement and continues to push for in-person voting despite health risks.
Inside Trump’s war on the postal service - Fortune; 2020
President Trump admitted to blocking federal funding for the U.S. Postal Service to prevent widespread mail-in voting for the upcoming election. He indicated that Democrats’ push to fund the USPS was stalling the next round of COVID-19 relief. Rapid changes and controversial decisions by new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump ally, have led to significant mail delivery delays and internal restructuring within the USPS. Critics argue these changes are politically motivated and detrimental ahead of an election heavily reliant on mail-in ballots. Additionally, DeJoy’s financial ties and proposed costly changes to mail classification for ballots have sparked further controversy. The Postal Service has struggled financially for years, worsened by a 2006 law requiring pre-funding of retiree health benefits and recent pandemic impacts. Despite assurances from DeJoy, there is ongoing concern about the USPS’s readiness to handle the election.
Trump admits he is undermining USPS to make it harder to vote by mail - The Guardian; 2020
Donald Trump admitted to opposing additional funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to hinder the delivery of mail-in ballots, adding weight to accusations that he is deliberately trying to undermine the USPS to aid his re-election bid. He linked the delay in congressional stimulus negotiations partly to Democratic proposals that included $3.6 billion for state elections and $25 billion for the USPS, stating that without this funding, universal mail-in voting would be infeasible. Critics, including Joe Biden’s spokesman Andrew Bates, accused Trump of sabotaging a crucial service to suppress safe voting during the ongoing public health crisis. Meanwhile, allegations about the new postmaster general Louis DeJoy’s cost-cutting measures causing mail delays add to the controversy. USPS officials, however, have downplayed the need for additional funds and assured their capacity to handle election mail on time.
Trump Opposes Postal Service Funding But Says He’d Sign Bill Including It - NPR; 2020
President Trump attempted to clarify earlier remarks where he seemed to oppose additional funding for the U.S. Postal Service, suggesting it was to ensure election integrity rather than to hinder mail-in voting. In a briefing, Trump asserted he wouldn’t veto a relief bill due to Postal Service funding but maintained that mail-in voting could lead to fraud. Trump discussed how Democrats’ request for $3.5 billion for election funding and $25 billion for the Postal Service was a sticking point in relief negotiations. He said without this funding, universal mail-in voting wouldn’t be possible, emphasizing the need for in-person voting for a secure election.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign criticized Trump’s stance, suggesting it undermines democracy and essential services. Trump’s continued attacks on mail-in voting come amid expectations that 70% of votes might be cast by mail due to the pandemic, raising concerns about the Postal Service’s capacity. Election watchdogs condemned Trump’s actions as an abuse of power, potentially affecting voters of all political affiliations.
Timeline: The Trump Administration and the U.S. Postal Service - Just Security; 2020
January 2017: Trump inherits an empty USPS Board of Governors.
Apr. 12, 2018: Trump creates the Task Force on the United States Postal System to recommend reforms.
April-May 2018: Trump pressures Postmaster General Megan Brennan to increase USPS rates for Amazon.
Dec. 4, 2018: Task Force releases a report recommending changes including a revamped governance structure and new revenue streams but rejects postal banking.
Feb. 5, 2020: The House passes the USPS Fairness Act to repeal the requirement for prefunding future retirement health benefits.
March 2020: Postal workers report inadequate PPE and safety measures amid the pandemic.
Apr. 8, 2020: Trump tweets that mail-in voting could lead to voter fraud.
Apr. 9, 2020: Brennan testifies that USPS could lose $13 billion in FY2020 and requests $75 billion in aid.
Apr. 10, 2020: Brennan announces significant financial losses due to decreased mail volumes.
Apr. 11, 2020: Reports reveal Trump administration blocked USPS aid in the CARES Act.
Apr. 24, 2020: Trump threatens to block USPS access to the CARES Act loan unless the Postal Service raises package prices.
May 4, 2020: USPS Board of Governors member David C. Williams resigns.
May 6, 2020: Louis DeJoy is selected as Postmaster General, effective June 15, 2020.
May 24-28, 2020: Trump tweets baseless claims about absentee voting fraud.
June 1, 2020: Attorney General Barr questions the security of absentee ballots against foreign interference.
June 14, 2020: Senate Minority Leader Schumer expresses concerns about DeJoy’s appointment.
June 25, 2020: Barr reiterates claims of absentee ballot vulnerability to foreign interference.
July 2, 2020: USPS Board of Governors declines to disclose documents related to DeJoy’s appointment.
July 10, 2020: USPS announces major changes to mail delivery procedures, including overtime restrictions.
July 22, 2020: USPS claims recent memos are not official policy.
July 25, 2020: USPS begins Expedited to Street/Afternoon Sortation pilot initiative.
July 29, 2020: USPS agrees to terms for a $10 billion loan from the Treasury Department, with conditions on financial and operational oversight.
July 29–31, 2020: The Postal Service warns 46 states and the District of Columbia that their mail-in ballot deadlines may not align with USPS delivery standards. The letters from USPS General Counsel Marshall suggest states at risk of disenfranchising voters if ballots are requested too close to Election Day or not mailed back in time. Some state officials criticize the letters as unhelpful.
Aug. 7, 2020: Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, request an investigation into DeJoy’s service changes and potential financial conflicts of interest. DeJoy announces a major restructuring at USPS, which some view as a consolidation of power under him.
Aug. 11, 2020: USPS states it is in a “financially unsustainable position” and defends new efficiency measures. House Oversight Chair Maloney introduces the Delivering for America Act to prevent changes that would impede service and to allocate $25 billion in emergency funding. Schumer criticizes DeJoy’s suggestion that election mail be sent First Class to avoid delays.
Aug. 12, 2020: Financial disclosures reveal DeJoy’s $30 million stock in XPO Logistics, raising conflict of interest concerns. Trump encourages North Carolina voters to vote absentee, continuing a trend of supporting in-person voting for his base. Reports indicate USPS is deactivating sorting machines.
Aug. 13, 2020: Trump connects opposition to USPS funding with the expansion of vote-by-mail, citing political advantage. A group of 31 Democratic Senators express concerns about delays in veterans’ prescriptions due to USPS changes. Reports confirm USPS deactivating sorting machines.
Aug. 14, 2020: Lawmakers, led by Pelosi, request more information on USPS policy changes. USPS suspends the removal of collection boxes. Reports confirm plans to decommission 671 sorting machines. The USPS Inspector General reviews DeJoy’s policy changes and ethics compliance.
Aug. 16, 2020: Trump aides debate voting-by-mail issues on news shows. Meadows downplays concerns about sorting machine removals and expresses openness to a standalone Postal Service relief bill, though prefers combining it with other stimulus measures.
Aug. 16, 2020: Speaker Pelosi calls the House back to D.C. to vote on the Delivering for America Act, stressing the importance of the Postal Service during the pandemic.
Aug. 17, 2020: Senate Majority Leader McConnell addresses USPS issues, indicating support for up to $10 billion in aid. White House Chief of Staff Meadows downplays funding needs for USPS. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union criticizes DeJoy’s removal of equipment and schedule changes. DeJoy and USPS Board Chairman Duncan agree to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Aug. 24.
Aug. 18, 2020: Trump casts an absentee ballot in Florida. Republicans circulate a revised relief bill without new USPS funding but include forgiveness of a $10 billion loan. Over 20 states announce plans to sue over USPS changes. DeJoy suspends changes to USPS procedures until after the election.
Aug. 19, 2020: Pelosi criticizes DeJoy’s pause in changes as insufficient. Schumer requests release of a search firm’s NDA. White House Press Secretary McEnany shows openness to $25 billion in aid if other relief is included. USPS prohibits employees from serving as witnesses for absentee ballots. Discussions with JPMorgan Chase for ATM rentals in post offices surface. Reports reveal ongoing dismantling of postal machines despite DeJoy’s order.
Aug. 20, 2020: Ex-USPS Board member David C. Williams testifies that Treasury Secretary Mnuchin sought extensive control over USPS operations and that DeJoy’s appointment was politically motivated. Internal memos suggest USPS instructed against reinstalling mail sorting machines.
Aug. 21, 2020: Treasury Department contests Williams’ testimony. DeJoy testifies before the Senate, refusing to reinstall sorting machines and asking for more control over USPS operations.
Aug. 22, 2020: The New York Times reports Mnuchin played a key role in DeJoy’s appointment. Postal workers in Washington State defy orders and reinstall mail sorting machines. House passes the Delivering for America Act, providing $25 billion in aid to USPS and banning service changes until 2021.
Separating Fact From Fiction On Trump And The Post Office - And Why It Matters - Forbes: 2020
Recent discussions highlight President Trump’s opposition to providing additional funds to the USPS, suggesting it aligns with his efforts to limit mail-in voting ahead of the November election. Trump mentioned in a Fox Business interview that not funding the USPS means they can’t handle the expected surge of mail-in ballots, potentially resulting in voting chaos. Despite differing interpretations, his stance seems more like a negotiation tactic than an admission of intent to cause chaos.
On the practical side, the USPS warned 46 states that delayed mail-in ballots could disqualify votes, potentially disenfranchising many voters. Critics suggest this warning increases fears about the USPS’s ability to manage the election demands, although the USPS letters simply outlined practical delivery times and state deadlines.
The USPS’s chronic financial issues, attributed partly to its unique requirement to pre-fund retiree benefits, differ from private competitors. Long-term declines in first-class mail and underpriced postage compared to other countries exacerbate the issue. Advocates note USPS as a subsidized service, unlike profit-driven entities like FedEx, reflecting a shift in public perception.
The broader conversation touches on whether the USPS should be seen as a subsidized government service, similar to a social insurance program, with public funding addressing its financial sustainability. Topics such as appropriate mail delivery costs and who should bear these costs remain contentious, linked to broader structural discussions similar to those around Social Security.
