Despite public statements from President Donald Trump and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that they are not trying to undermine the efficiency of mail delivery, the release of an email showing a US Postal Service official ordering local manager to keep mail sorting machines offline undermines their claims.
Motherboard, the tech section of Vice, released an email from USPS Director of Maintenance Operations Kevin Couch directing local offices to keep sorting machines inoperable.
“They are not to reconnect / reinstall machines that have previously been disconnected without approval from HQ Maintenance, no matter what direction they are getting from their plant manager,” the email states.
Another email sent to local maintenance managers was short and direct: “We are not to reconnect any machines that have previously been disconnected.“
Reports from postal workers and union officials describe policies issued from USPS headquarters officials directing the slow-down of operations to prevent the timely delivery of mail. These policies are being implemented as a record use of mail-in ballots is expected in the November election due to the coronavirus pandemic.