David Steiner Appointed as 76th U.S. Postmaster General Amid Privatization Concerns

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors has appointed David P. Steiner as the 76th Postmaster General and CEO, effective July 14, 2025, pending final background and ethics clearances. Steiner, a former CEO of Waste Management and current FedEx board member, will succeed Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino, who stepped in following Louis DeJoy’s resignation in March. 

Steiner’s appointment has garnered support from the USPS Board of Governors, with Chair Amber McReynolds stating, “Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future.” However, his selection has raised concerns among postal unions and workers due to his corporate background and ties to FedEx, a major USPS competitor.

Brian L. Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), expressed apprehension, stating, “His selection isn’t just a conflict of interest—it’s an aggressive step toward handing America’s mail system over to corporate interests.” Similarly, Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, likened Steiner’s appointment to “putting the fox in charge of guarding the hen house.” 

In response to these concerns, Steiner emphasized his commitment to maintaining USPS’s role as an independent establishment of … . “I am excited by the challenges ahead and by the many opportunities to shape a vibrant, durable, and increasingly competitive future for the Postal Service,” he said. He also highlighted his intention to engage collaboratively with unions and management associations to ensure a world-class employment experience for postal workers.

Steiner’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for USPS, which is grappling with service disruptions, workforce reductions, and financial challenges, particularly in rural communities. The agency reported a $3.3 billion net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, more than double the loss from the same period last year. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to address these issues and steer the agency toward a more sustainable future.

The selection process for the new Postmaster General was conducted by the USPS Board of Governors, with input from an executive search firm. While President Donald Trump does not have an official role in naming the Postmaster General, his administration’s influence on the USPS has been noted, particularly amid discussions about potential privatization or restructuring of the service.

Steiner’s appointment marks a significant leadership change for the USPS, and his actions in the coming months will be closely watched by stakeholders across the political and economic spectrum.