The U.S. Senate has confirmed Sara Carter as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position commonly referred to as the nation’s “Drug Czar.”
Carter was confirmed Tuesday by a 52–48 vote and will oversee the federal government’s drug control policy, including coordination across agencies focused on drug trafficking, addiction prevention, and recovery.
In a press release provided to The Dallas Express following her confirmation, Carter said she would work to protect Americans from illicit drugs, hold drug traffickers and cartels accountable, and support law enforcement and families impacted by addiction and overdose.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn also welcomed Carter’s confirmation, citing her credibility with law enforcement and her background working on border and cartel-related issues.
“From a law enforcement perspective, we couldn’t be more pleased with the confirmation of Sara Carter,” Waybourn said. “I was honored to be part of the vetting process through Major County Sheriffs of America, and we saw her as a real partner in keeping our communities safe. We made a full endorsement of her appointment without reservation and look forward to working with her moving forward.”
“I am honored and humbled to join President Trump’s Administration as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. As ONDCP Director, I will work tirelessly to achieve a safe and healthy America, where a drug-free life is the prevailing norm,” stated Director Carter in the press release.
Her confirmation comes as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids continue to drive overdose deaths nationwide, with border states playing a central role in interdiction and enforcement efforts.
“This is a turning point for our Nation. President Trump is putting the American people first. Under his leadership, we will reassert our fundamental right to live healthy lives. We will hold accountable the narco-terrorists who infringe upon this right, participating in the deliberate poisoning of tens of thousands of Americans each year. They will no longer kill our families, friends, neighbors, and even children with impunity,” added Director Carter.
A spokesperson from ONDCP emphasized that protecting Americans from fentanyl and dismantling narco-terrorist cartels are key priorities for the administration. Details on how the ONDCP will contribute to the comprehensive government strategy to address these priorities will be included in the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy, which is currently under review before its release.
Every objective of the National Drug Control Strategy is matched with a metric to evaluate its effectiveness, per the spokesperson, and the strategy goes beyond law enforcement efforts; it also aims to improve drug addiction prevention and recovery outcomes once implemented.
Ultimately, the goal is to reduce both the availability of drugs in the United States and the demand for drugs among the American population, the spokesperson told DX.
“…I will ensure that every parent, family member, and child have the resources they need 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. This is my promise to the American people,” stated Director Carter in the press release.
Carter brings a background in investigative journalism to the role, having spent years reporting on cartel activity and drug trafficking along the U.S.–Mexico border. She becomes the first woman to lead ONDCP since the office’s establishment and the 10th Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The Dallas Express will continue to report on developments related to federal drug policy as additional details are released.
