Louis DeJoy, the ex-postmaster general who faced accusations of undermining mail-in voting in the 2020 election, has undergone a remarkable transformation by joining forces with John Podesta, a prominent figure in President Biden’s environmental agenda. Together, they are leading an initiative to introduce 66,000 electric vehicles to the United States Postal Service (USPS) by 2028.
This collaboration between DeJoy and Podesta is part of a larger plan to add 106,000 new vehicles to the USPS fleet. The initiative has received a boost from the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $3 billion in funding. This unexpected partnership signifies the changing landscape of political relationships in Washington, as DeJoy, once viewed as a nemesis by Democrats, now works closely with Podesta to promote eco-friendly changes within the USPS.
This alliance represents a significant departure from DeJoy’s past reputation. In the aftermath of the 2020 election, he faced criticism for alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process in favor of former President Donald Trump. However, his collaboration with Podesta is focused on transforming the USPS into a more environmentally conscious delivery service. By securing funding for the introduction of electric vehicles, DeJoy and Podesta have demonstrated their shared commitment to this cause, even if they choose not to comment on the nature of their relationship.
DeJoy’s willingness to cooperate with the Biden administration extends beyond the USPS electric vehicle initiative. He previously worked together with the administration on the distribution of COVID-19 tests through mail, as well as supported postal reform legislation championed by Democrats. Though some skeptics remain doubtful of his transformation, DeJoy now considers himself a trailblazer for climate action, aiming to make the USPS the nation’s “greenest delivery company.”
Despite this unexpected partnership, it is unlikely that DeJoy’s political allegiances have completely shifted. He is anticipated to return to political activism after leaving his current position, and the controversies surrounding the 2020 election have not been entirely resolved.