Donald Trump sought control over the U.S. Postal Service in an effort to transform U.S. elections.

The strongest and most recent evidence supports the claim’s central point. The New York Times reported on August 24, 2026, that President Donald Trump had taken an unusually active role in influencing the Postal Service’s leadership, including directing its governing board in the selection of Postmaster General David Steiner. The report tied that effort to a broader strategy concerning mail voting and the administration of U.S. Elections.nytimes.comnytimes.comTrump Has Quietly Sought Control Over Postal Service to Transform U.S. Elections That account is consistent with reporting about Trump’s March 31, 2026, order directing the Postal Service to work with states on mail-ballot eligibility and voter lists. CNN reported that the order contemplated flagging or rejecting ballots associated with people who did not appear on state eligibility lists. News From The States described the order as an effort to exert presidential control over election functions traditionally administered by states, while acknowledging that its legality was disputed.cnn.comcnn.comTrump thrusts the Postal Service back into his election fraud crusade+1 more

Other reporting describes related proposals to restrict mail voting and increase federal control over election-related postal data. The Washington Post reported that Trump was seeking greater control over mail balloting while Postal Service processing changes raised concerns about timely ballot delivery. Axios reported that voting-rights groups feared the initiative could give the federal government greater influence over voting data and state-run elections. Politico reported that Trump presented the proposal as an anti-fraud measure, while Democrats characterized it as an attempt to seize control of election administration before the 2026 midterm elections. Those political characterizations are disputed, but the underlying actions and proposals support the narrower factual claim that Trump sought expanded control over the Postal Service in connection with election policy.washingtonpost.comwashingtonpost.comTrump's attacks on mail balloting and concerns over delays turn midterms...axios.comaxios.comAmerica's elections are getting caught in a fight over the mail+1 more

The timing matters. In February 2025, The New York Times reported that Trump had no imminent plan to take over the Postal Service, although he had discussed reorganizing the independent agency. A December 2025 report likewise described a possible move of the Postal Service under the Commerce Department. Later reporting in 2026 documents more concrete steps involving leadership and mail-ballot administration, so the earlier uncertainty does not contradict the subsequent developments.nytimes.comnytimes.comAs Trump Eyes the Postal Service, Concerns Grow Over Its Independence (Published...wdsu.comwdsu.comTrump wants control of the US Postal Service. Here's what to know

The evidence does not establish that Trump had completed a lawful transfer of the Postal Service into direct executive control, nor does it independently prove that transforming elections was his private motive. It does establish that he sought expanded influence over the agency and pursued measures affecting mail-ballot eligibility and election administration. Within that meaning, the claim is supported.