Postmaster General Louis DeJoy faced sharp criticism following a contentious exchange during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on Tuesday.

The hearing, intended to address the financial and operational challenges of the United States Postal Service (USPS), took a dramatic turn when DeJoy covered his ears during questioning by Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.).

The exchange began with Rep. McCormick expressing dissatisfaction with DeJoy’s performance as Postmaster General. “You do not get an ‘A grade’ when it comes to your leadership of the U.S. Postal Service,” McCormick stated.

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DeJoy countered, defending his tenure by asserting that USPS operations were improving. “That is not true,” DeJoy responded as McCormick continued to criticize him. “Our office is growing.”

McCormick pressed further, accusing DeJoy of mismanagement. “You are responsible for the fall of the postal service and the lack of accountability,” McCormick said. DeJoy interrupted, attributing the USPS’s struggles to Congress. “This Congress is responsible for it falling apart. I am trying to fix the postal service,” he said.

The exchange escalated when DeJoy told McCormick, “You’re talking to yourself,” and proceeded to cover his ears, prompting a wave of criticism from lawmakers and observers alike.

🚨WILD: US Postmaster General covers his ears in protest as GA Rep. Rich McCormick blasts him for giving himself an ‘A Grade’ for running USPS:

McCORMICK: “You cannot give yourself that grade.”

DeJOY: “I just did….You’re talking to yourself.”

McCORMICK: “I hope you got that… pic.twitter.com/vO0DH0rENp

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 11, 2024

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The hearing also highlighted the USPS’s ongoing financial troubles.

The postal service reported a $6.5 billion loss for the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2023, falling short of its projection to break even.

This performance is particularly troubling given that USPS saw an increase in revenue earlier in the year when shippers diverted package volume away from UPS due to a potential strike.

DeJoy attributed the financial shortfall to inflation, which increased operational costs and printing expenses.

The latter, he noted, led to a significant reduction in advertising mail volumes.

Despite these explanations, the loss has raised questions about the USPS’s ability to achieve financial stability under current leadership.

DeJoy’s behavior during the hearing and the USPS’s continued financial struggles have fueled calls for accountability.

Critics argue that his actions during the hearing reflect poorly on the leadership of a federal agency that serves a critical function for millions of Americans.

“The U.S. Postal Service is a vital part of our country’s infrastructure, and this kind of behavior undermines public trust,” said one observer familiar with the hearing.

The USPS has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including declining mail volumes, rising costs, and competition from private delivery services.

Efforts to reform the postal service and ensure its long-term viability have been met with mixed results.

The incident with DeJoy has also reignited concerns about leadership and accountability within federal agencies.

Some critics have pointed to the episode as indicative of a broader issue of competency and maturity in government positions.

As the USPS navigates its financial challenges, the focus remains on whether leadership changes or structural reforms are necessary to address the service’s ongoing struggles.

Lawmakers are expected to continue pressing for solutions to ensure the USPS can operate efficiently and fulfill its mission.