DEA Head Said to Be Dissatisfied With Trump, Is Resigning

The acting head of the Drug Enforcement Administration is resigning—apparently over dissatisfaction with President Trump. Law enforcement officials tell the New York Times that Chuck Rosenberg has come to believe Trump lacks proper respect for the law. Rosenberg, a former prosecutor, is one of many career law-enforcement officials said to be uncomfortable with Trump's relationship with the law—from complaining about investigations into his associates to advocating for investigations into his political rivals to telling officers "please don't be too nice" when physically handling suspects. According to the Washington Post, Rosenberg sent an email to DEA employees after the latter incident, telling them not to mistreat suspects. "We have an obligation to speak out when something is wrong," Rosenberg said in the email.

Rosenberg had a history of clashing with those above him at the White House and Justice Department. He had opposed Jeff Sessions in particular on the issues of marijuana research (he was for it) and the MS-13 gang (he believes Mexican drug cartels and other gangs are more dangerous). Rosenberg, who is leaving the DEA on Oct. 1, sent a letter to DEA employees Tuesday. "You will continue to do great things," he wrote. "I will continue to root for you, now from the sidelines." Rosenberg was appointed to the DEA by President Obama having served as a US attorney under the second President Bush. He was also chief of staff to James Comey. USA Today reports a potential replacement is Rick Fuentes. The New Jersey State Police superintendent is said to have discussed the job with Justice officials and has the backing of the largest police union in the country. (More Drug Enforcement Administration stories.)