David Steiner, a current FedEx board member, has been appointed as the next Postmaster General and CEO of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The announcement came from the USPS Board of Governors, stating that Steiner will officially take over the role following the resignation of Louis DeJoy in March and the interim leadership of Doug Tulino. Amber McReynolds, chair of the board, praised Steiner as the ideal candidate to guide the USPS into a stable and innovative future.
Steiner Faces Criticism Over FedEx Ties and DeJoy’s Controversial USPS Legacy
Steiner’s appointment has sparked immediate controversy due to his affiliation with FedEx, a direct competitor of the USPS. Labor union leaders and postal worker advocates have condemned the move, viewing it as a threat to the public nature of the USPS. Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, labeled the decision as a step toward privatization, expressing concern that private companies could take over the postal delivery system to the detriment of public service.
FedEx Ties Fuel Controversy as David Steiner Named New USPS Chief Amid Privatization FearsSteiner inherits a challenging legacy from his predecessor, Louis DeJoy, who held the role since June 2020. DeJoy’s tenure was marked by bipartisan criticism for a lack of transparency and controversial reforms. In one of his final actions, DeJoy announced the elimination of 10,000 USPS jobs and began collaborations with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, signaling a shift toward automation and restructuring. His approach often put him at odds with lawmakers and postal unions.
Steiner Pledges Public Commitment Amid Politically Charged Appointment and USPS Reform Demands
Despite the backlash, Steiner expressed a commitment to preserving the USPS’s public mission. He emphasized the importance of working with unions and maintaining USPS’s role as an independent executive agency. With a background that includes leadership at Waste Management and legal experience with Phelps Dunbar, Steiner brings a mix of corporate and legal expertise. He is expected to officially take on his new role in July, pending background and ethics clearance.
Steiner’s selection highlights the political dynamics surrounding USPS leadership. Chosen by the USPS board of governors, whose members are appointed by the president, Steiner was reportedly selected from a group of finalists influenced by former President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of privatizing the Postal Service. As he assumes his new role, Steiner must work to rebuild public confidence and steer the agency through significant changes, all while upholding its public mission and adapting to current demands for greater efficiency.
