Exclusive: U.S. Postmaster General to pause all operational reforms after outcry

U.S. postal workers begin their day during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Carlsbad, California, U.S., August 17, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is set to announce later on Tuesday that he will suspend all operational reforms and initiatives until after the November presidential election, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters and sources briefed on the matter.

"I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded," DeJoy will say, according to the draft release, adding that the changes are to "avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail," according to the draft statement seen by Reuters.