David Steiner, a seasoned executive and current FedEx board member, has been appointed as the new Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS). He is expected to step into the role in July 2025, contingent upon the successful completion of necessary ethics and security clearances. This move will see Steiner resign from his position on the FedEx board, as reported by Reuters.
Steiner's appointment has raised eyebrows due to his strong connections with FedEx, a major USPS competitor. The potential conflict of interest has sparked concerns from postal unions, who fear this transition might lead to privatization efforts and job cuts within USPS. Steiner's significant expertise includes serving as CEO of Waste Management Inc. from 2004 to 2016, and holding degrees in accounting and law from Louisiana State University and UCLA, respectively.
The backdrop to Steiner's appointment includes substantial financial hurdles faced by USPS, which reported a $3.3 billion net loss in the last quarter ending March 31. This financial scenario adds complexity to ongoing discussions about the potential privatization of the agency, with notable public figures such as President Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency actively involved in the dialogue.