United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration has announced the appointment of Derek S. Maltz as Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Maltz replaces Anne Milgram who departed the agency last week.   

Maltz is a passionate, dedicated, career special agent who served 28 years at DEA before retiring in 2014.  He also proudly served as the Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the country’s oldest and largest drug task force. Most recently Maltz worked in the private sector.

Maltz is renowned for his relentless drive, strategic acumen, and no-nonsense approach. As DEA Acting Administrator, he is responsible for leading the enforcement, intelligence, regulatory, and awareness efforts of the agency.   

During his career at DEA, Maltz spent nearly a decade leading DEA’s Special Operations Division and transforming DEA’s work with international law enforcement partners. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining momentum as DEA continues to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking networks responsible for flooding the United States with dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. Today, DEA’s foreign footprint remains one of the largest among federal agencies.  

“This appointment is the honor of my lifetime.  I promise to lead the men and women of DEA with integrity and grit.  DEA will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of the cartels who threaten this great nation,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz.  “DEA is positioned to lead the nation’s drug enforcement and intelligence efforts, working closely within the federal, state and local partners, to seize record amounts of illicit drugs; bring the world’s most ruthless narco-terrorists to justice; and save American lives by creating a vast network of community partners to help spread critical awareness.  We want every American to understand the threat we face and know exactly how DEA is working to protect you.”

A proud public servant, Maltz has always put the safety and security of the American people above all else. One of Maltz’ greatest attributes is his ability to bring people together to create a lasting impact. Maltz has worked closely with families affected by fentanyl to spread awareness, and he vows to use the resources of the federal government, along with our valued state and local partners, to further promote awareness efforts and turn the tide on the devastating drug crisis facing the United States. 

While Maltz has long advocated for families, he has also been a champion of law enforcement’s fight against global drug trafficking and terrorism.  In 2023, Maltz testified at the United States House Judiciary Committee meeting The Fentanyl Crisis in America: Inaction is No Longer An Option. Maltz also appeared in front of the Ohio State Legislature in 2019 in a hearing held to advise on the designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.   

As a result of his leadership, Maltz has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Presidential Rank Award for his accomplishments throughout his law enforcement career.  Maltz is a proud graduate of Syracuse University.