USPS Postmaster General David Steiner released a formal statement following the Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling. His specific words: ‘We have at all times acted within our legal authority to issue a rule to achieve those policies, but ultimately the courts will decide that question, and we will follow the court’s determination.’

WHY THE TONE IS NOTABLE  

Steiner’s statement is notably deferential to judicial authority. He asserts USPS acted within its legal authority — that is the standard agency defense of a struck-down rule — but immediately subordinates that assertion to the court’s determination. The specific language: ‘we will follow the court’s determination.’ This is the head of the Postal Service affirming that the courts have final authority over USPS rule-making.

THE WHITE HOUSE CONTRAST  

Trump publicly criticized the Supreme Court by name for the ruling. AG Blanche said the White House would ‘of course’ comply. Steiner said USPS will follow the court’s determination. Three different statements from three different officials in the same administration. The tonal difference between Trump’s rebuke and Steiner’s deference is a documented institutional response pattern: the President criticized; the agency head deferred. ONYX documents both as part of the administration’s response record.

Trump slammed the Court. His AG said, of course they’d comply. The Postmaster General said the courts get the final word. Three different tones from the same administration on the same ruling on the same day. ONYX documents all three.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT  

▸  USPS compliance — what specific steps USPS takes to implement the ruling before November

▸  White House legal strategy — whether the administration pursues the merits case

CONFIDENCE: HIGH

Steiner: USPS formal statement that courts will decide the final determination; Trump criticized the Court; Blanche: ‘of course’ comply, per confirmed reporting.

SOURCES

▸  Confirmed reporting — USPS Steiner court final word September 16 2026