Written by Jonathan Phillips.
President Donald Trump has tapped Sara Carter to helm the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), thrusting the seasoned journalist into the spotlight as the nation’s next drug czar. Unveiled on March 31, 2025, this appointment reflects Trump’s intent to confront the intertwined crises of drug trafficking and addiction head-on. Carter, known for her incisive reporting on border issues, now faces the daunting task of steering federal efforts to curb a problem that claims countless lives yearly.
A Reporter Turned Policy Leader
Sara Carter’s career has been defined by her work at Fox News, where she delved into the complexities of immigration and border security. She often spotlighted the surge in illegal drug flows during periods when enforcement was lax, notably under President Biden’s tenure. Responding to her appointment on X, Carter expressed deep appreciation, writing, “Serving President Donald J. Trump in an administration dedicated to America’s priorities is a profound honor.” She vowed to fight tirelessly, a promise that resonates with her long-standing focus on protecting American communities.
Trump echoed this sentiment on Truth Social, positioning Carter as the vanguard in a mission to “save our children from the scourge of drugs.” Her selection seems a natural fit, given her intimate understanding of how porous borders fuel the drug trade. Consider the small towns along the Rio Grande, where residents have watched fentanyl overdoses spike—Carter’s reporting has long captured such stories, lending her credibility in this new arena.
Endorsements and Expectations
The decision has sparked swift reactions from influential quarters. Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn took to X to laud Carter’s expertise, asserting she’d “fight relentlessly” to shield families from trafficking’s toll. “This issue has endangered Tennesseans for too long,” Blackburn noted, tying Carter’s border insights to broader safety goals. Likewise, Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety praised her as a steadfast ally, calling her role “a tremendous opportunity to help families devastated by illicit drugs.” His enthusiasm underscores a shared hope that Carter can drive meaningful change.
What might this mean for policy? Carter’s track record suggests a push for tougher border controls to choke off drug supply lines. In states like Arizona, where cartels exploit gaps to funnel narcotics, her influence could bolster interdiction efforts. Yet the challenge extends beyond enforcement—addiction’s roots run deep, and her success will depend on balancing crackdowns with strategies to address demand. It’s a tall order, but her appointment hints at a White House betting on her outsider perspective to shake up the status quo.
Trump’s Broader Agenda and Public Pulse
Two months into his second term, Trump has hit the ground running, issuing roughly 100 executive orders since January 20, 2025. This flurry of action—dwarfing the early pace of recent predecessors—has slashed federal payrolls, reworked longstanding rules, and expanded presidential reach. He’s framed these moves as proof “America is back,” though not everyone shares his rosy outlook. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from March 22–23 found 46% approval against 51% disapproval among over 1,000 adults, a snapshot muddied by a brewing scandal over White House officials’ use of Signal for sensitive military talks.
Contrast that with a Fox News survey from March 14–17, where 49% approved and 51% didn’t—a near tie that hints at a nation split down the middle. These numbers mark a slide from Trump’s post-inauguration highs in the low 50s, a dip tied to tariff-driven inflation fears and a shaky economy. Still, they outshine his first-term average, which hovered below 45%. Pollster Neil Newhouse pointed out, “He’s doing better now than ever back then,” crediting a Republican base that’s “rock-solid” behind him—a unity absent in 2017 when party fractures dogged his start.
Daron Shaw, a University of Texas professor, agreed, noting the GOP’s consolidation fuels this edge. It’s a far cry from Trump’s early days, when some conservatives balked at his unconventional style. Today, that loyalty gives him leeway to pursue bold picks like Carter, even as broader approval teeters. Economic unease lingers—think of the factory worker eyeing rising grocery bills—and it’s a reminder that policy wins must translate to kitchen-table realities.
Our Take
Sara Carter’s elevation to drug czar is a striking choice, blending journalistic grit with policymaking ambition. Her border focus could sharpen the ONDCP’s edge against trafficking, a scourge that’s left too many communities hollowed out. But the leap from observer to architect isn’t seamless—crafting solutions demands more than exposing problems. A comprehensive approach, pairing enforcement with rehabilitation, will test her mettle. If she delivers, she might redefine the role; if not, the limits of her lens could show.
Trump’s gamble here fits his pattern—decisive, polarizing, and banking on loyalty. The polling split reflects a familiar story: his base cheers, but the wider public wavers. Carter’s tenure could sway that needle, especially if she tackles addiction’s human cost with the same zeal she’s brought to border beats. For now, her appointment is a microcosm of Trump’s second act—big moves, big stakes, and a nation watching closely.
