The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has appointed David Steiner, a former CEO of Waste Management and a current FedEx board member, as its new Postmaster General, succeeding Louis DeJoy who resigned in March 2025. Steiner is expected to begin his role in July after completing background and ethics checks. His appointment has sparked concern among Democratic lawmakers and union leaders due to his connection to FedEx, a major competitor of USPS, amid ongoing debates about potential privatization of the postal service. USPS reported a net loss of $9.5 billion in 2024, highlighting its financial struggles. Steiner expressed admiration for the USPS’s history and mission, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining its independence. The USPS Board of Governors Chair Amber McReynolds praised Steiner’s leadership, while FedEx founder Frederick Smith highlighted his business acumen as crucial for addressing USPS’s significant financial challenges, which have resulted in over $108 billion in losses since 2007. Critics fear that the appointment may accelerate efforts by the Trump administration to privatize or reorganize the postal service, potentially impacting rural areas. The appointment comes amid broader political and economic discussions, including recent U.S.-China trade talks, proposed military equipment gifts, and changes in federal agencies. Steiner’s background includes transforming Waste Management’s operations and culture, which he believes will help shape a more competitive future for USPS.