USPS chief faces criticism over Trump-backed mail-ballot rule implementation

David Steiner, the newly appointed head of the U.S. Postal Service, quickly drafted a rule to enforce President Trump's executive order limiting mail ballots, saying he was tasked with operationalizing the directive. The Supreme Court later dismissed the rule, prompting Steiner to stop development of a disputed voter-roll portal. Critics from both parties, including state secretaries of state and several senators, have called him a Trump “pawn” and demanded greater transparency.

Steiner maintains he is a non-political administrator focused on service delivery and rejects calls to step down. He noted the agency’s large workforce and financial strain, warning that without congressional relief the USPS could face a cash shortfall. Despite the controversy, Steiner emphasizes that public trust will depend on reliable mail service rather than political debates.