Tag: Office of National Drug Control Policy

Matt Rourke | AP photo Back on the 2016 campaign trail, candidate Donald Trump called Lou Barletta and Tom Marino “Thunder and Lightning.” They were early supporters, and the popular Keystone State congressmen certainly brought added electricity to Trump’s appearances in Pennsylvania. Shortly after the election, President-elect Trump rewarded Thunder and Lightning with positions on his transition team. A joint report by The Washington Post and 60 Minutes found that legislation sponsored by Marino helped make it easier for opioid drugs to circulate, enabling the drug industry to profit while users suffered. Trump said he would “look into” Marino. “Tom is a fine man and a great Congressman!” Trump tweeted. Without using the president’s name, Marino issued a caution. He did not criticize the president or Putin. As my colleague Bill O’Boyle points out, no independent poll puts Barletta within striking distance of Casey. On Monday, Barletta appeared with Vice President Mike Pence in Philadelphia at a campaign fundraiser and at an event promoting the Trump administration’s tax cuts. And the only poll that counts is the one in November, Just ask President Donald J. Trump.