Why Biden Hasn’t Removed Louis DeJoy from His Position

Recent discussions have revolved around why President Biden has not removed Louis DeJoy from his position within the United States Postal Service (USPS). The answer lies in a combination of legal restrictions and the structure of the USPS, which operates under a constitutional framework. This article delves into these factors and why DeJoy's position remains intact despite potential pressures to do otherwise.

Legal Restrictions and the Law

Firstly, it is important to understand that the position of Postmaster General is not one that can be simply dismissed by a President. The law that created this position provides specific guidelines and constraints for how and when this role can be relinquished. Essentially, the law does not permit the President to unilaterally remove DeJoy without a legal mechanism in place.

The Postmaster General is an employee of the USPS, which operates under its own governing structure established by law. This structure includes an official entity called the Post Office Board, which has the authority to make decisions regarding the leadership of the USPS, including the appointment and removal of the Postmaster General.

Why Legal Processes Matter

The current situation is further complicated by the fact that the majority of the Post Office Board consists of DeJoy supporters. This means that any attempt to have DeJoy removed would face significant opposition. Biden is strategically waiting for one more term to expire on the current board members before making a new appointment. This is a legal and cautious approach to ensure that DeJoy can be replaced in a manner that adheres to the established procedures.

Broader Context of Legal Constraints

The constraints placed on the President in matters of government leadership extend beyond just the Postmaster General. In the United States, there are inherent legal and constitutional checks and balances that prevent any single individual, including the President, from making unilateral decisions that could undermine the established governance systems.

Even an executive order, which can be a powerful tool for the President, is subject to legal scrutiny. An executive order requires legal justification and must align with existing law. Any executive order that is deemed illegal by the courts can be overturned, thereby nullifying any actions taken under its auspices.

DeJoy and Legal Definitions

It’s worth noting that DeJoy cannot be compared to authoritarian leaders who disregard the rule of law. In the United States, there are strict legal definitions and processes for the appointment and removal of officials. The fact that DeJoy's position is protected by law means that any attempts to remove him are subject to the same legal scrutiny as any other governmental action.

Additionally, the President, while having a significant role in shaping government leadership, does not have the authority to directly dismiss DeJoy. Instead, the President must rely on the established legal mechanisms, such as the appointment of a new Postmaster General through the Post Office Board. This process ensures that the USPS functions within the legal boundaries established for it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the retention of Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General of the USPS can be attributed to legal restrictions, the structure of the USPS, and the need to adhere to established legal processes. President Biden, like any other leader in the United States, must navigate within the bounds of the law. This situation highlights the importance of legal frameworks in ensuring that government actions are both legitimate and transparent.