Postmaster General Rejects Trump’s Claims on Handling Mail-in Ballots

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy addressed concerns about the Postal Service’s capacity to handle mail-in ballots ahead of the upcoming presidential election, asserting that former President Donald Trump is mistaken in his claims. During a virtual presentation focused on the 2024 electoral process, DeJoy was direct when asked about Trump’s insinuations that the Postal Service could misplace ballots intentionally.

DeJoy replied firmly, stating, “My response is like my response to everyone who says that we’re not prepared for the election — it’s that they’re wrong. I don’t know that I need to comment any more than that. They’re wrong.”

In his opening remarks, DeJoy subtly criticized Trump and others who have made statements that could erode public confidence in the Postal Service. He pointed out that the Postal Service has been delivering ballots since 1864, highlighting its long-standing reliability.

“We recognize that election officials are under an extreme amount of pressure, and will remain so for at least the next two months,” DeJoy stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, warning that ongoing negative dialogue could heighten public anxiety about the Postal Service’s performance in the approaching elections.

DeJoy reassured the public, saying, “Let me be clear: The Postal Service is ready to deliver the nation’s mail-in ballots.” He provided statistics from the 2020 election, noting that the Postal Service successfully delivered 99.89% of ballots from voters to election officials during that period, even amidst a “highly sensitive, sensationalized environment.”

Recently, Trump intensified his criticisms of mail-in voting during an interview with the right-wing media outlet Real America’s Voice while in Las Vegas. He repeated unsubstantiated claims regarding the reliability of mail-in ballots and suggested the possibility of legal action against the Postal Service.

In his statements, Trump claimed, “I read the post office is saying how bad it is. The post office is critiquing themselves, saying we’re really in bad shape. We can’t deliver the mail. And they’re not even talking about mail-in ballots, right? We’re going to dump millions and millions of dollars.” He reiterated his unfounded assertions that the prior election was “rigged” and criticized the U.S. voting system as “bad.”

As both the Postal Service and election officials prepare for the forthcoming election, DeJoy’s emphasis on the organization’s capabilities aims to quell fears regarding mail-in voting logistics. His statements come at a critical time, as voters express interest in alternative voting methods while maintaining concerns about the system’s integrity.

With the election drawing nearer, DeJoy’s commitment to ensuring a smooth process for mail-in voting stands in opposition to narratives suggesting inefficiencies within the Postal Service. The ability to deliver ballots reliably is integral to the democratic process, and DeJoy is determined to assure voters that their voices will be heard.