David Steiner takes over as postmaster general amid privatization concerns
- David Steiner has been appointed as the new postmaster general of the U.S. Postal Service, succeeding Louis DeJoy and Doug Tulino.
- Concerns have been raised by postal unions regarding possible privatization of USPS under Steiner's leadership due to his connections with FedEx.
- The appointment has sparked discussions about the future direction of the Postal Service and potential implications for public service.
On a Friday in early May 2025, the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors announced the appointment of David Steiner as the new postmaster general, succeeding Louis DeJoy and current acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino. Steiner, a former CEO of Waste Management Inc. and a board member at FedEx, is expected to formally take his position in July. His appointment has raised concerns among postal unions about potential privatization of the Postal Service, which has been struggling with significant financial losses amid changing mail usage patterns and operational challenges. Since 2021, the Postal Service has been undergoing a modernization and cost-cutting plan called 'Deliver for America', created to combat its financial struggles. This initiative, however, has faced criticism from some quarters of Congress for allegedly causing mail delays and increasing costs for consumers. Steiner's appointment comes at a time when there are broader discussions on the future structure of the Postal Service, including the possibility of moving it under the control of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Members of various postal unions have expressed their deep concerns regarding Steiner's selection due to his ties with FedEx, a direct competitor to the Postal Service. They argue that his background in private shipping positions him more aligned to prioritize corporate interests over public service obligations. The unions fear that this could lead to detrimental changes such as job cuts and compromises to the universally mandated service obligations that the Postal Service has upheld for generations. David Steiner himself remarked on the honor of leading the Postal Service and emphasized his commitment to maintaining its role as an independent entity within the executive branch. Despite this reassurance, doubts linger regarding the impact of his affiliation with FedEx, as the competitive landscape continues to evolve. As he prepares to take over control, all eyes will be on how Steiner addresses the financial and operational challenges ahead, and whether he can balance the needs of a public institution with those of the very competitive private sector he comes from.