Thu. Apr 3rd, 2025

President Donald Trump has appointed Sara Carter as the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a role commonly referred to as “Drug Czar”. The announcement was made via Truth Social, where Trump praised Carter’s expertise and commitment to fighting the nation’s drug epidemic.

“As our next Drug Czar, Sara will lead the charge to protect our nation and save our children from the scourge of drugs,” Trump wrote.

Carter, a seasoned journalist and investigative reporter, quickly responded on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her gratitude for the appointment and her dedication to the administration’s America First agenda.

“It is truly an honor to serve President Donald J. Trump and be part of an administration committed to putting America first,” Carter stated. “America’s greatest resource is our people, and it will be up to each and every one of us to do our part – I promise you I will never stop fighting.”

Sara Carter’s Extensive Border Coverage & Advocacy for Stronger Policies

Before her appointment, Carter was a prominent contributor to Fox News, extensively covering the border crisis and illegal drug trafficking. She was highly critical of lax immigration policies under the Biden administration, frequently warning of the dangers posed by cartels smuggling fentanyl and other illicit substances into the U.S.

Carter has repeatedly called for stricter border regulations, citing the staggering rise in human and drug trafficking. With her new role, she is expected to push for aggressive policies to combat the opioid crisis and cartel influence, aligning with Trump’s broader law-and-order agenda.

Strong Republican Support for Carter’s Appointment

Carter’s selection has been met with praise from prominent Republican lawmakers and law enforcement officials. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) publicly congratulated Carter on X, highlighting her border expertise and commitment to tackling drug-related crime.

“Congratulations to @SaraCarterDC on becoming Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy! Sara is an expert on the border and the crisis it has created for drug trafficking. This issue has put Tennesseans in harm’s way for far too long, but Sara will fight relentlessly as Drug Czar to keep our loved ones safe,” Blackburn wrote.

Similarly, Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez hailed the appointment as “GREAT for the country.”

“CONGRATULATIONS, @SaraCarterDC!!! I genuinely appreciate your friendship and overwhelming support for Texas over the years. This is an excellent opportunity for you to effect change and help so many families who have lost loved ones due to deadly illicit drugs. This is GREAT for the country,” Olivarez posted on X.

Trump’s Second Term: Executive Orders and Expanding Presidential Powers

President Trump’s second term has been marked by swift action and sweeping policy changes. Since taking office two months ago, Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders, significantly expanding executive power while cutting government bureaucracy.

According to Fox News, Trump has signed approximately 100 executive orders since his inauguration on January 20, a historic rate surpassing any recent president. His administration has challenged long-standing government policies, restructured federal agencies, and implemented aggressive measures to strengthen national security and revamp trade policies.

Despite these bold initiatives, Trump’s approval ratings remain a subject of debate among political analysts and pollsters.

Mixed Polling Data on Trump’s Popularity

While Trump asserts that “a lot of great things are happening”, national polling suggests that Americans remain divided on his presidency.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between March 22–23 found that:

  • 46% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance.
  • 51% disapprove, reflecting continued political polarization.

A Fox News poll (March 14–17) showed a slightly better result for Trump:

  • 49% approval rating, matching his highest approval levels in Fox News polls.
  • 51% disapproval, suggesting a split electorate.

These approval ratings indicate that Trump remains more popular among Republicans than during his first term, as his party has fully consolidated behind him.

Republican Support Remains Solid Despite Public Skepticism

Pollster Daron Shaw, a member of the Fox News Decision Team, noted that Trump’s stronghold over the Republican base has strengthened.

“The difference is largely a function of the consolidation of the Republican base,” Shaw said, pointing out that Trump previously faced skepticism from some Republicans, but now enjoys unwavering party loyalty.

Republican pollster Neil Newhouse added, “Keep these numbers in perspective. The numbers he’s averaging right now are still higher than he was at any point during his first presidency.”

This suggests that Trump’s policies and leadership style have cemented his support within his party, even as Democrats and independents remain more skeptical.

Economic Concerns and Trade Tariffs Impacting Approval Ratings

One of the biggest factors influencing Trump’s approval ratings is the economy, particularly concerns about inflation and tariffs on top trading partners.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has prioritized aggressive trade policies, including tariffs on foreign imports. While these measures are designed to protect American industries, critics argue that they could fuel inflation and hurt consumers.

Former President Joe Biden also faced low approval ratings due to inflation concerns, suggesting that economic factors continue to shape public perception of presidential leadership.

Final Thoughts: Carter’s Role in Trump’s Vision for Drug Control

Sara Carter’s appointment as Drug Czar represents a major step in Trump’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking, securing the border, and combating cartel influence. With her journalistic background and firsthand reporting from the frontlines, Carter is expected to bring a fresh and aggressive approach to the ONDCP.

As Trump continues to reshape federal policies and strengthen his executive powers, his polling numbers remain a crucial indicator of public sentiment. While Republican support is at an all-time high, concerns over economic challenges and foreign policy decisions will play a key role in shaping his political future.

Moving forward, Carter’s leadership at the ONDCP will be closely watched as the administration intensifies its efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and crack down on drug-related crime.