prison population. >> a primary driver of this mass incarceration phenomenon is our drug laws, our mandatory minimum sentencing around drug laws. >> one of obama's attorney generals eric holder now says quote the policy announced today is not tough on crime. it is dumb on crime. but, the trump white house says the change was carefully crafted. >> this policy was form lathed after extensive consultation with the prosecutors that handled these cases, each and every day around the country. >> prison reform advocates are alarmed by the prospect of a return to the war on drugs. >> the problem with the war on drugs was that it swept up not just people engaged in high level drug offending but lots of people in the lower levels of the drug trade. that had very little impact on drug use and abuse. >> on capitol hill, democrats and at least one republican are scoffing at this new policy, too. senator rand paul says, quote: mandatory minimum