Sara Carter, a veteran Fox News contributor since 2017, has been named by President Donald Trump to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Her appointment as the nation’s latest “drug czar” adds to the growing roster of Fox News figures joining the administration.
Trump disclosed Carter’s appointment via his Truth Social platform, emphasizing her journalism background in covering border issues and drug trafficking—key areas in Trump’s policy agenda. Reports indicate Carter has received numerous journalism accolades for her work on Mexican drug cartels. The 44-year-old investigative journalist will shift from her media career to lead the federal agency tasked with coordinating national drug policies.
“From Afghanistan to our Border, Sarah’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 associated with the network following the announcement. She has not yet publicly commented on her nomination, which needs Senate approval.
Upon Senate confirmation, Carter would replace Dr. Rahul Gupta as the ONDCP director, becoming the first woman to hold the position. The office she will oversee coordinates drug policy across 19 federal agencies, managing a budget of approximately $44 billion.
Carter’s appointment has prompted some questions among policy analysts due to her lack of direct experience in drug policy, public health, or law enforcement. Her supporters, however, cite her extensive reportage on border and drug trafficking issues as relevant experience for the role.
Carter’s selection exemplifies a trend of the president hiring Fox News media figures for his administration. Carter is the 22nd Fox News personality or contributor to join Trump’s team during his second term.
The Trump administration’s relationship with Fox News personalities has been characterized by some as a “revolving door,” with numerous hosts, contributors, and commentators transitioning from the network to government roles.
Among the most prominent Fox News figures in the administration is Pete Hegseth, serving as Secretary of Defense. Other notable appointments include 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 have been appointed as spokespeople across various departments, including Monica Crowley and Tammy Bruce. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, was previously a Fox News commentator during Trump’s first term.
Other former Fox News affiliates in the administration include Mike Waltz, Mike Huckabee, and Sebastian Gorka, indicating the president’s preference for individuals with media expertise and public presence.
The significant representation of Fox News in the administration reflects Trump’s complex relationship with the network. Despite occasional public criticism of Fox News, Trump has consistently drawn from its talent pool for key government positions.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy, which Carter will lead, was established in 1988 to coordinate the federal response to substance misuse and drug trafficking. Recently, the agency has focused on tackling the opioid crisis, including the spread of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The ONDCP is pivotal in formulating and implementing the National Drug Control Strategy, coordinating anti-drug efforts through public health and safety measures, and allocating funds to law enforcement and community coalitions. The agency also administers the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and the Drug-Free Communities Program, which provide substantial financial support to combat drug issues.
Carter’s journalism has often emphasized border security concerns, including the trafficking of illicit drugs across the southern border. Trump has frequently linked border security to national drug issues, advocating for stronger border enforcement to combat drug trafficking and addiction.
In her role as drug czar, Carter would be responsible for developing policies that integrate law enforcement with public health interventions. The ONDCP collaborates with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state and local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to implement comprehensive drug control strategies.
