Washington — In the wake of President Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening mail‑ballot procedures, new Postmaster General David Steiner has overseen the rapid rollout of the rule’s operational guidelines. Steiner, a former Waste Management CEO, told the Associated Press that his priority is to follow the law and let the courts decide any disputes, underscoring the Postal Service’s non‑partisan mission.
Implementation amid legal challenges
After the Supreme Court declined to block the order, Steiner’s team began work on a government portal for voter‑roll data, a component the court later halted. Steiner explained that the agency was asked to review the order and determine how to operationalize it, not to set policy. “We are an independent agency of the executive branch,” he said, emphasizing that the Postal Service does not decide which rules to accept.
Critics and supporters weigh in
Democratic officials, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, have accused Steiner of acting as a “Trump lackey” and warned that the administration is attempting to weaponize a federal agency. Senate Democrats have pressed for more transparency about Steiner’s interactions with the White House.
Republican voices have also expressed concern. Senator Josh Hawley called for Steiner’s resignation and introduced legislation to bar a performance bonus for the postmaster general. Nonetheless, Steiner has refused to step down, describing the criticism as “theater” and insisting his focus remains on delivering mail reliably.
Steiner’s background and the agency’s financial health
Steiner, 66, was hired in 2025 by a board of governors that at the time included three Democrats appointed by President Joe Biden. Four Trump nominees now await Senate confirmation, potentially shifting the board’s composition. Steiner’s career spans corporate law, a 12‑year tenure as CEO of Waste Management, and a long‑standing directorship at FedEx, where he was described as “outcome‑oriented” and rarely political.
The Postal Service faces a $9 billion net loss and a borrowing cap that could force it to run out of cash without congressional relief. While the Trump order will not take effect, the agency will still play a crucial role in the 2026 elections, with concerns that late‑postmarked ballots could be rejected. Steiner urged voters to mail their ballots at least a week before Election Day to avoid delays.
Public perception remains favorable
Despite the political turbulence, a recent Gallup poll found that 56 percent of Americans view the Postal Service’s performance as “excellent” or “good.” Steiner noted that most people judge the service by everyday experiences—receiving wedding invitations on time or getting packages delivered—rather than political headlines.
Steiner’s approach reflects the Trump administration’s broader effort to ensure election integrity while preserving the Postal Service’s core mission. By emphasizing compliance with the law and operational efficiency, the agency aims to maintain public trust as it navigates the upcoming election cycle.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
