David Steiner, a former CEO of Waste Management and current FedEx board member, has been chosen as the next postmaster general by the U.S. Postal Service’s governing board. Steiner’s appointment comes at a critical time for the USPS, facing uncertainty under the Trump administration. Despite his background with FedEx, a USPS competitor, and the end of previous collaborations between the two entities, Steiner is set to take on the leadership role in July.

The decision to appoint Steiner has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest and corporate influence over the postal service. Critics, including Rep. Gerry Connolly and Brian Renfroe of the National Association of Letter Carriers, have expressed reservations about Steiner’s selection, viewing it as a move that could prioritize corporate interests over the public good.

The appointment of Steiner also reflects broader tensions surrounding the USPS’s independence from political influence, as President Trump has previously suggested merging the agency with the Commerce Department. The USPS, established as an independent entity by Congress in 1970, plays a crucial role in delivering essential services such as medication, payments, and ballots to millions of Americans.

As Steiner prepares to assume his new role, he emphasizes his commitment to maintaining the USPS’s independence and public service mission. The challenges facing the postal service, including financial struggles and political pressures, highlight the importance of effective leadership to ensure the continued reliability and accessibility of mail services for all Americans.