DEA chief faces investigation over 'swampy' hires and no-bid contracts

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently under investigation by a federal watchdog over allegations of improperly awarding millions of dollars in no-bid contracts to hire individuals with close ties to DEA chief Anne Milgram. Sources familiar with the probe claim that several former associates and colleagues of Milgram were hired via these contracts, which has raised concerns over ethical practices within the agency.

The Justice Department's Office of Inspector General is reportedly investigating whether these "swampy" hires were given preferential treatment during the hiring process. Furthermore, concerns have been raised over the cost of these hires, as they allegedly exceeded rates for government officials. For instance, $4.7 million was spent on “strategic planning and communication,” which included the hiring of some of Milgram's past associates.

According to reports, this investigation comes after Milgram ordered an external review of the DEA’s foreign operations, which span across 69 countries. Additionally, Milgram hired a research assistant from her time at NYU to serve as her deputy chief of staff earlier this year. Several other hires under scrutiny came through The Clearing, a Washington-based federal contractor that provides outsourced administrative services to the DEA and other federal agencies.

As details continue to emerge, Don Fox, former acting director and general counsel of the Office of Government Ethics, said: “This looks terrible to taxpayers.” The DEA is one of the most powerful federal law enforcement agencies in the United States, and any allegations of misconduct or unethical behavior must be thoroughly investigated and addressed promptly.

It remains unclear what impact this investigation will have on Milgram's tenure as DEA chief or how it may affect the agency's operations moving forward. However, ensuring that such a powerful agency operates ethically and transparently should remain a top priority for the US government. As investigations continue, more information about the extent of these alleged improprieties will likely come to light.