David Steiner, a board member at FedEx, has been named the new U.S. Postmaster General, according to an announcement from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors. Steiner’s appointment comes at a time when the future of the USPS is being questioned, with concerns that privatization efforts may be underway under the Trump administration. Steiner, who has previously held leadership roles at Waste Management, will now oversee the USPS, which employs over 635,000 workers.
Who is David Steiner?
David Steiner is stepping into the role of Postmaster General after the resignation of Louis DeJoy in late March. DeJoy had led the USPS through a challenging period that included the COVID-19 pandemic, financial difficulties, and a surge in mail-in voting during recent elections. Steiner’s background includes time at FedEx and Waste Management, where he gained experience in business leadership and operations.
Steiner emphasized his commitment to preserving the independence of the USPS. He stated that he admires the public service and business mission of the institution and believes strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch.
Political Concerns Over Steiner’s Appointment
The appointment of David Steiner has sparked controversy, particularly from Democratic leaders. Rep. Gerry Connolly, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Steiner’s position at FedEx, one of the USPS’s major competitors. Connolly warned that the appointment could be an effort by the Trump administration to push for privatization of the Postal Service.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume, the ranking member of the Government Operations Subcommittee, joined Connolly in calling for increased scrutiny of Steiner’s actions. The two representatives emphasized that the American public deserves an independent and unbiased Postal Service. They expressed hope that Steiner will prioritize the interests of the American people over any political demands.
Union Pushback and Conflict of Interest Claims
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), a major union representing mail carriers, has also raised concerns about Steiner’s appointment. NALC President Brian Renfroe criticized the decision, stating that Steiner’s ties to FedEx represent a conflict of interest. Renfroe believes that Steiner’s leadership could open the door for private companies to take over parts of the USPS, particularly its parcel delivery services.
Steiner has expressed a desire to engage with unions as part of his new role. However, the union’s objections suggest that his leadership may face resistance from within the USPS workforce.
Trump Administration’s Influence on USPS
The appointment of Steiner is also closely linked to ongoing efforts by former President Donald Trump’s administration to reshape the USPS. Trump has been vocal about his desire for significant changes to the agency, including giving the Secretary of Commerce more oversight over its operations. He has even suggested that a “merger” of sorts could improve the efficiency of the Postal Service.
Trump stated that he wants the post office to work efficiently and not lose massive amounts of money. He believes that a merger would help the USPS operate better than it has in recent years.
These remarks have led many to speculate that the USPS could eventually be privatized, a move supported by some in the tech industry, including billionaire Elon Musk. Musk has called for the privatization of the USPS, arguing that it would be more efficient under private management.
Changes Under DeJoy’s Leadership
Louis DeJoy, who served as Postmaster General for five years, is credited with implementing several cost-cutting measures, although these changes were met with criticism from unions and lawmakers. DeJoy’s tenure included the controversial decision to cut USPS jobs and delay mail deliveries, which led to a backlash, particularly during the 2020 presidential election.
Before stepping down, DeJoy collaborated with the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reform certain USPS programs. As part of this collaboration, DeJoy had discussed a voluntary early retirement program that could reduce the USPS workforce by approximately 10,000 employees. These moves were seen by critics as part of a broader effort to reduce the agency’s scope and privatize its operations.
Next Steps for Steiner
David Steiner is expected to formally begin his role as Postmaster General in July. Before taking up his new position, Steiner will step down from his position on FedEx’s Board of Directors. His leadership will be closely watched, with ongoing debates about the future of the USPS and its role in U.S. society.
The new Postmaster General faces significant challenges, from navigating political pressures to managing a workforce that has been affected by multiple rounds of layoffs and restructuring. How Steiner will address these issues remains to be seen, but his actions will likely have a major impact on the future of the U.S. Postal Service.
