President Donald Trump addressed a wide range of topics Wednesday from the Oval Office following the swearing-in of Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce — including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) proposed rate hike, his Department of Government Efficiency, tariffs, and America’s continued posture on the global stage.
One key topic was the USPS’s latest request to raise postal rates — a move that’s expected to take effect as early as July 13. The proposal, submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), would increase mailing service prices by approximately 7.4 percent. Among the changes, the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp would rise by five cents, from 73 to 78 cents.
The full slate of proposed increases includes:
- Letters (1 oz): 78 cents
- Metered letters (1 oz): 74 cents
- Domestic postcards: 62 cents
- International postcards and letters (1 oz): $1.70
- Additional ounces: 29 cents, up from 28
Despite the increases, the USPS insists these adjustments are necessary to secure the agency’s financial future and maintain service under its 10-year “Delivering for America” plan. According to an online statement from the postal agency, “USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world.”
President Trump, who has long criticized inefficiencies within the federal government, pointed to the price hike as another reason his newly launched Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is essential. “The American people deserve transparency and accountability,” Trump said. “We’re going to stop the waste, streamline operations, and make sure every agency — including the Post Office — is working for the taxpayer.”
While critics on the left may accuse Trump of overhauling agencies to centralize power, his supporters argue he’s doing what bureaucrats have long failed to do — demand results and fiscal responsibility from bloated government institutions.
Trump also touched briefly on global trade and tariffs, as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, reinforcing his America First foreign policy. “We’re not going to let other countries take advantage of us anymore,” Trump said. “It’s time to put American workers, American businesses, and American taxpayers first.”
The PRC is expected to issue a decision on the postal rate changes in the coming weeks.
