President Obama Offends DEA Agents With Drug War Comments

WASHINGTON (Oct. 14) -- President Barack Obama insulted -- albeit inadvertently -- the folks at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration today by mentioning the FBI instead of their agency in remarks about the war on drugs.

At a town hall meeting in Washington aired on MTV, the president told a group of young people that his administration is serious about "federal drug enforcement."

US President Barack Obama speaks at a youth Town Hall shown on BET,CMT and MTV

Jim Watson, AFP / Getty Images

President Barack Obama inadvertently insulted DEA agents when he gave credit to the FBI for fighting the war on drugs during a town hall meeting broadcast on MTV.

But, he added, "we have to figure out who is it we're going after because we've got limited resources. So decisions that are made by the Justice Department or FBI about prosecuting drug kingpins versus somebody with some small amount, those decisions are made based on how can we best enforce the laws that are on the books."

Some DEA agents were insulted, saying the DEA is the lead agency on the war on drugs, not the FBI.

"That just goes to show his lack of knowledge," said one DEA agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Again, it shows me his inadequate knowledge of drug law enforcement. He has no clue."

Another DEA agent said it was reflective of the administration's lack of concern about the DEA. The agent pointed out that Michele Leonhart has been leading the agency for years but has yet to be confirmed as the No. 1 person, and many top positions have gone unfilled. Leonhart has served as acting head since 2007, and the president nominated her for the permanent post in February.

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"I don't think he's given any thought to the DEA," the agent said. "We've become an afterthought, the stepchild when it comes to the FBI and Justice Department."

William R. Coonce, a former DEA official who headed the Detroit office, said sarcastically: "Well, now I understand why Michele Leonhart hasn't been confirmed. The president doesn't know we exist."

DEA headquarters declined comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Over the years, the DEA has often felt neglected -- or at least has been in the shadow of the FBI. To boot, there have been occasional rumors over the years about the DEA being folded into the FBI, which also investigates drug cases.