John P. Walters is a prominent conservative policy expert and former government official who served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), often referred to as the U.S. 'Drug Czar,' from February 5, 2001, to January 20, 2009, under President George W. Bush. In this role, he coordinated federal anti-drug policies and spending, emerging as a vocal opponent of drug decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana initiatives, focusing on aggressive enforcement and prevention strategies. Born on February 8, 1952, he joined the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank, in 2009 after leaving the Bush administration. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2021, a position he continues to hold. At Hudson, he influences policy discussions on national security, foreign affairs, and domestic issues, leveraging his extensive government experience. Throughout his career, Walters has been recognized for his staunch conservative ideology, particularly in opposing progressive shifts in drug policy, and has contributed to various publications and testimonies advocating for evidence-based but firm stances against substance liberalization.