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Read DEA Chief’s Critical Memo Admonishing Trump For Endorsing Police Misconduct

Former Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Chief Chuck Rosenberg resigned on October 1 but not before castigating President Donald Trump in an internal memo obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Shadowproof.

The July 29 memo, available to the public for the first time, opens with a reference to Trump’s exhortation that police not be “too nice” when transporting suspects: “The President, in remarks delivered yesterday in New York, condoned police misconduct regarding the treatment of individuals placed under arrest by law enforcement.” The memo was sent the day after Trump’s remark.

Rosenberg added, “I write because we have an obligation to speak when something is wrong.” The memo later includes a reminder of DEA’s “core values,” starting with the phrase “rule of law.” It closes with the admonition, “We must earn and keep the public trust.”

Rosenberg was appointed to run the DEA in May 2015. He indicated to the Justice Department in late July he did not want to be permanent administrator of the DEA. Rosenberg believed Trump had little respect for the law, according to The New York Times.



DEA Chief Resignation Memo (Text)

Ken Klippenstein

Ken Klippenstein

Ken Klippenstein is a national security reporter who can be reached on Twitter @kenklippenstein or via email: kenneth.klippenstein@gmail.com