The Director of National Drug Control Policy, known as the Drug Czar, heads the office. "Drug Czar" was a term first used in the media by then-Senator Joe Biden in October 1982.[2][3]
In addition to running the ONDCP, the director evaluates, coordinates, and oversees both the international and domestic anti-drug efforts of executive branch agencies and ensures that such efforts sustain and complement State and local anti-drug activities. The Director advises the President regarding changes in the organization, management, budgeting, and personnel of federal agencies that affect U.S. anti-drug efforts; and regarding federal agency compliance with their obligations under the National Drug Control Strategy, an annual report required by law.
2017 Rumored shutdown
As early as February 2017, The New York Times had reported that the Trump administration was considering eliminating the office, and other programs responsible for a total of $2.5 billion of domestic spending.[4]
In May, the office's website was blanked and Politico and The Washington Post both reported that the office was about to be drastically defunded.[5][6]
↑Maintland, Leslie. (October 9, 1982) New York TimesU.S. plans a new drive on narcotics.[permanent dead link] Section: 1; Page 18. (noting, "But Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Delaware Democrat who is a strong advocate of antinarcotics efforts, said today that he thought no program could work without a Cabinet-level "drug czar" in charge to coordinate the work of various agencies.")