Elon Musk Advocates Privatizing USPS and Amtrak

The billionaire and government advisor criticized the state of U.S. rail and mail services, calling for privatization to drive efficiency and improvement.

Elon Musk suggested privatizing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Amtrak during a Morgan Stanley conference, arguing it would create a 'feedback loop for improvement.'
Musk described Amtrak as 'kind of embarrassing' compared to high-speed rail systems in countries like China and advised international visitors to avoid using it.
The USPS and Amtrak have faced long-term financial challenges, with USPS reporting a $9.5 billion loss in fiscal year 2024 and Amtrak posting a $705 million operating loss.
Musk acknowledged that privatizing these entities would require Congressional approval, though he did not outline specific steps to advance the proposal.
Critics highlighted Musk's vested interests in transportation projects like Hyperloop and concerns about privatization's impact on essential public services in rural and underserved areas.