President Trump has taken the lead over Terry Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in overseeing the federal intervention in the Washington, D.C., police department.
Cole, previously a DEA agent and Virginia’s public safety secretary, has been instrumental in addressing the crime surge described by the president as alarming. He has a significant background in law enforcement, focused on improving safety in the region.
Interestingly, violent crime in D.C. recently hit its lowest levels in three decades.
“Our capital has been overwhelmed by gangs, ruthless criminals, mobs, and the homeless,” Trump stated. “We won’t let it go on any longer. We’re going to take action.”
The recent federal takeover has received approval for a 30-day period, but Trump will need Congressional backing to establish long-term control.
Cole was confirmed in July to lead the DEA after a party-line vote. His experience as Virginia’s public safety secretary involved overseeing law enforcement agencies and combating issues such as fentanyl trafficking.
In a statement, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin remarked, “It’s a tough day for criminals in Washington, D.C.” He expressed confidence that Cole would work effectively with law enforcement partners to bring crime under control.
Before joining the Virginia administration, Cole spent time in the private sector, and he has often shared about growing up in a family dedicated to law enforcement during his podcast appearances.
DEA Career
Cole began his career with the DEA in 1997, drawn not only by the fight against drugs but also by opportunities for overseas posts.
He emphasized the importance of exposing his children to diverse cultures and experiences. “I wanted them to appreciate how wonderful this country is while experiencing other parts of the world,” he said.
Having served for two decades at the DEA, Cole held positions in various locations including Colombia, Afghanistan, and Mexico City, and also worked in the Dallas and D.C. offices.
Propublica reported that during his early years, Cole was involved in the ambitious Plan Columbia initiative aimed at combating drug cartels. He collaborated closely with local police, but faced significant challenges, including the tragic loss of ten officers he worked with when they were murdered.
For Cole, that event marked a turning point. His family had to evacuate shortly after.
Later, in Dallas, Cole played a key role in investigating Mexican drug cartels and successfully shared critical intelligence that led to significant operational shifts in combating them.
Rescheduling Marijuana
The announcement of Cole’s appointment coincided with Trump confirming that his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, potentially lowering its status.
This comes as the Biden administration attempts to classify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, facing its own set of hurdles.
During his Senate confirmation hearings, Cole indicated the need for progress on this issue, stating it would be a priority but was non-committal about explicitly supporting the proposal when pressed by Senator Alex Padilla.
“It’s important to assess the science and gather expert opinions on this matter,” Cole reiterated.
However, Padilla was quick to emphasize, “We already know the facts. Are you committed to making this change happen?”
Cole hesitated, responding, “I’m not sure.”
Trump affirmed that a decision would be made soon, sharing that they are actively considering the reclassification over the next few weeks.
