The acting head of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will step down at the end of the week due to concerns about President Donald Trump’s lack of respect of law.
Chuck Rosenberg, who served as chief of staff to former FBI director James Comey, has decided to resign out of concern that Trump does not display adequate concern for the rule of law, two law enforcement officials told The New York Times.
The long time federal prosecutor made his opposition to Trump known in an agency-wide memo sent in early August, in which he decried Trump’s suggestion that law enforcement officers should subject suspected criminals to harsh physical treatment.
The memo reads:
The President, in remarks delivered yesterday in New York, condoned police misconduct regarding the treatment of individuals placed under arrest by law enforcement. In writing to you, I seek to advance no political, partisan, or personal agenda. Nor do I believe that a Special Agent or Task Force Officer of the DEA would mistreat a defendant. I know that you would not.
Rosenberg, who was appointed to head the DEA by former President Barack Obama in May 2015, reportedly told deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in late July that he did not want to be nominated by Trump to permanently lead the agency. He also declined Rosenstein’s offer of another Department of Justice post.
Rosenberg’s parting email to his colleagues, sent Tuesday, praised their hard work and dedication.
“The neighborhoods in which we live are better for your commitment to the rule of law, dedication to the cause of justice, and perseverance in the face of adversity,” he wrote. “You will continue to do great things. I will continue to root for you, now from the sidelines.”
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