David Steiner, the current postmaster general of the United States, has found himself at the center of controversy as the U.S. Postal Service becomes entangled in political debates surrounding mail-in voting. Appointed in 2025, Steiner has sought to maintain an image of independence amid criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over the Postal Service’s role in implementing rules connected to former President Donald Trump’s election policies.
Steiner, 66, previously served as CEO of Waste Management for more than a decade and was a longtime director at FedEx. His career has largely been framed by corporate leadership with little public association with political causes. Although he has contributed to both Republican and Democratic campaigns, including John Kerry’s 2004 presidential bid, Steiner is not considered a major political donor, setting him apart from his predecessor, Louis DeJoy.
His stewardship of the Postal Service — an agency with over 630,000 employees dating back to Benjamin Franklin’s era — has come under scrutiny following Trump’s 2026 executive order intended to tighten mail ballot rules. Steiner promptly moved to finalize a rule in line with that executive order, citing his limited ability to reject policies imposed by the executive branch. However, after a Supreme Court decision blocked key provisions, including a government portal for voter rolls, Steiner halted related efforts and emphasized his role as an implementer rather than a policymaker.
“I don’t get to decide what rules that are put on us that I decide to accept or not accept,” Steiner said, highlighting the Postal Service’s status as an independent agency within the executive branch. Yet this stance has triggered sharp criticism from political figures. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold labeled Steiner a “Trump lackey,” while Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin described him as a “pawn” during congressional hearings. Even some Republicans, like Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, have expressed frustration, calling for Steiner’s resignation over alleged service disruptions and proposing legislative measures to block his bonuses.
Despite the backlash, Steiner dismisses much of the congressional criticism as theatrical and maintains he has no intention of resigning. He expressed surprise at the intensity of the political reaction in Washington, contrasting it with what he described as more constructive private discussions with lawmakers.
Steiner’s past comments about Trump, recorded in a 2007 speech before Trump entered politics, reveal a former skepticism. At that time, Steiner criticized Trump’s style of leadership as portrayed on reality television. When reminded of those remarks, Steiner appeared bemused and downplayed them as flippant.
Appointed by a board comprising primarily Biden-era appointees, Steiner can be removed only by this governing body. Four Trump-nominated board members, all awaiting Senate confirmation, may soon shift the balance. Steiner has had limited direct contact with Trump since assuming his role, meeting him only once after his appointment.
Earning an annual salary of approximately $346,000, Steiner’s compensation is modest compared to his corporate earnings, and he views his current position as one that requires adherence to law and regulations rather than political alignment. His tenure underscores ongoing tensions over the Postal Service’s function amidst broader national debates on election administration and integrity.