Sara Carter, who has been a Fox News contributor since 2017, has been appointed by President Donald Trump to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This appointment makes her the latest addition to the administration from the ranks of Fox News personalities.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing Carter’s experience in journalism, particularly in covering issues related to border security and drug trafficking, which align with his policy priorities. Reports indicate that Carter has received multiple journalism awards for her coverage of Mexican drug cartels. At 44, she will transition from media to lead the federal agency tasked with overseeing national drug policies.
“From Afghanistan to our Border, Sara’s relentless pursuit of Justice, especially in tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, has exposed terrorists, drug lords, and sex traffickers,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “As our next Drug Czar, Sara will lead the charge to protect our Nation, and save our children from the scourge of drugs.”
Fox News has confirmed that Carter is no longer affiliated with the network following the announcement. Carter has not yet publicly commented on her nomination, which requires Senate confirmation.
If confirmed, Carter will take over from Dr. Rahul Gupta as the director of the ONDCP, making her the first woman to assume the role of drug czar. She will manage an office that coordinates drug policies across 19 federal agencies and supervises a budget of around $44 billion.
Carter’s appointment has prompted questions among policy experts due to her lack of direct experience in drug policy, public health, or law enforcement. She has no prior government service. However, her supporters emphasize her extensive reporting on border issues and drug trafficking as relevant experience for the position.
Carter’s selection continues the trend of the president appointing media figures from Fox News to his administration. Carter becomes the 22nd Fox News personality or contributor to join Trump’s team during his second term.
The relationship between the Trump administration and Fox News personalities has been characterized by some as a “revolving door,” with numerous hosts, contributors, and commentators transitioning from the network into government roles.
Prominent Fox News figures in the administration include Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Other notable appointments are Sean Duffy as Transportation Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI under Kash Patel.
Several Fox personalities now serve as spokespeople for various departments, including Monica Crowley and Tammy Bruce. Tom Homan, the border czar, was previously a Fox News commentator during Trump’s first term.
Other former Fox News affiliates now in the administration include Mike Waltz, Mike Huckabee, and Sebastian Gorka, indicating the president’s preference for individuals with media experience and a strong public presence.
The significant presence of Fox News in the administration reflects Trump’s complex relationship with the network. Despite occasional public criticism, he has consistently recruited from its talent pool for key government roles.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy, which Carter is set to lead, was established in 1988 and primarily focuses on coordinating the federal response to substance misuse and drug trafficking. Recently, the agency has emphasized addressing the opioid crisis, particularly the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The ONDCP is central in formulating and executing the National Drug Control Strategy, coordinating anti-drug efforts through public health and safety measures, and providing funding to law enforcement and community-based coalitions. The agency also manages the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and the Drug-Free Communities Program, which allocate substantial funds to help communities address drug issues.
Carter’s journalism has frequently focused on border security, including the trafficking of illegal drugs across the southern border. Trump has consistently linked border security with national drug issues, advocating for stronger border enforcement to combat drug trafficking and addiction.
As drug czar, Carter would be tasked with developing policies that balance law enforcement with public health strategies. The ONDCP collaborates with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state and local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to implement comprehensive drug control strategies.