Senate Confirms Sara Carter as Nation’s New Drug Czar in 52-48 Vote

Veteran journalist Sara Carter was confirmed Tuesday by the Senate 52-48 to serve as the nation’s new drug czar.

Carter, whose reporting career has extensively covered the drug trade, will lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy as the top adviser on drug policy matters to President Donald Trump. Trump appointed her to the role last March, citing her reporting experience.

“I am honored and humbled to join President Trump’s Administration as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy,” Carter stated in a post-confirmation message. “As ONDCP Director, I will work tirelessly to achieve a safe and healthy America, where a drug-free life is the prevailing norm.”

Carter emphasized her office would hold narco-terrorists accountable, declaring: “They will no longer kill our families, friends, neighbors, and even children with impunity.” She also pledged to ensure every parent, family member, and child has access to resources needed to prevent and combat addiction.

“I will stand with our brave law enforcement officials, and with every family who has lost a loved one to drug overdose,” Carter added. “This is my promise to the American people.”

Carter’s confirmation follows the Trump administration’s recent mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and bring him to New York for federal drug charges. During her Senate hearing, Carter characterized the fentanyl crisis as a chemical war being waged on Americans, stating: “I have seen these predatory criminal empires operate with impunity in our hemisphere. That impunity ends now.”

Carter, a former Fox News contributor, faced criticism from Democrats during her nomination process, including comments from Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois that she lacked government, public health, or law enforcement experience for the role.

The Senate confirmed Carter with all but one Republican voting in favor, while Democrats remained united in opposition. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was the sole Republican to vote against her nomination.

Sam Barron has reported on politics, crime and business topics for nearly two decades.