What we witnessed from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy during Tuesday’s House Oversight Committee hearing wasn’t just a cringe-worthy moment—it was an embarrassment.
When questioned about his leadership of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), DeJoy’s response—covering his ears like a defiant child—was not only unbecoming of a federal official but also a stark reminder of how far decorum and accountability have fallen in government.
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) pressed DeJoy hard, as he should have, pointing out the failings of the Postal Service under his leadership. McCormick didn’t mince words, saying, “You are responsible for the fall of the postal service and the lack of accountability.”
DeJoy’s defensive response—claiming Congress bears the blame—might have sparked a real debate if he hadn’t chosen to punctuate it by literally covering his ears. It’s the kind of juvenile stunt you’d expect from a preschooler in time-out, not the head of a major federal agency.
This behavior is intolerable on its face. It undermines the seriousness of the institution DeJoy leads and disrespects the taxpayers who fund it. For a federal official managing a service that hemorrhaged $6.5 billion in fiscal 2023, one might expect humility, introspection, or at least a modicum of professionalism. Instead, we got a display that would make a corporate boardroom erupt in outrage and result in immediate termination.
Republican screams at witness covering his ears in wild Congressional hearing https://t.co/s1tQiaeaG6 pic.twitter.com/2K9v9phJiJ
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) December 10, 2024
The USPS’s financial woes are no secret. After projecting a break-even year, it ended fiscal 2023 with staggering losses, despite benefiting from a temporary surge in revenue when shippers rerouted packages away from UPS during labor negotiations.
DeJoy blamed inflation for the deficit, citing higher operational costs and a dip in junk mail due to printing price hikes. But leadership is about problem-solving, not excuses, and DeJoy’s failure to steer the ship toward stability is as glaring as his lack of maturity.
This debacle also shines a harsh light on a broader issue: the federal government’s crisis of competency. When key officials display this level of unprofessionalism, is it any wonder public trust in federal institutions is eroding? DeJoy’s antics aren’t just embarrassing—they’re emblematic of a system that seems to reward tenure over talent, connections over competence.
Postmaster General is no small job. The USPS, despite its struggles, remains a critical piece of American infrastructure, relied upon by millions of citizens and businesses. It demands leadership that can inspire confidence, adapt to challenges, and represent the institution with dignity. DeJoy has demonstrated he is unfit for this role.
