Mnuchin's role in postmaster's appointment becomes target

The Postal Service operates on its own revenues separate from any federal appropriations process.Trump has railed against the Postal Service while openly nursing grievances against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose giant online retail operation relies on the Postal Service for many of its deliveries.Mnuchin's undisclosed meetings with Postal Service board members add to a broader narrative about financial and political conflicts of interest by DeJoy and some newly appointed board members, as well as White House influence over the Postal Service.Dave Williams, a former vice chair of the board who resigned in May, told members of the House Progressive Caucus on Thursday that Mnuchin had been actively engaged in the activities of the board.This site is protected by recaptcha Privacy Policy | Terms of ServiceBefore they were confirmed, Republicans nominated to the board had to meet with Mnuchin and "kiss the ring," Williams said.Once they were confirmed, Williams said, the board members would continue to hear from Mnuchin, who would convey "his approval and disappointment with their performance."He added, "I've never seen anything like that."Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politicsWilliams told lawmakers that he stepped down "when it became clear to me that the administration was politicizing the Postal Service with the treasury secretary as the lead figure for the White House in that effort."As for DeJoy, Williams said, "he didn't strike me as a serious candidate" when he sat for two interviews with the board.