Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has announced his withdrawal from consideration for the role of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator in President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The sheriff, who had been praised by Trump for his law enforcement record, cited his commitment to serving the citizens of Hillsborough County as his reason for stepping aside.
In a post shared on X, Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination, calling it “the honor of a lifetime,” but stated that after reflecting on the responsibilities of the role, he decided to remain in his current position. “There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling,” he wrote, signaling his intent to continue his service as sheriff.
This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic. He was tapped by Trump to head the DEA. Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their ever-lovin minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution. https://t.co/sYBwYKTdJl
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 3, 2024
Trump had announced Chronister’s nomination on Saturday, highlighting his accomplishments and his potential role in fighting the nation’s drug crisis. “As DEA Administrator, Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the Border, stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other Illegal Drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES,” Trump said in a statement.
While Chronister’s record earned him accolades, his nomination faced criticism from some conservatives over decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Chronister drew backlash for the arrest of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, who defied social distancing mandates by holding church services. Chronister also faced criticism for requiring deputies to get vaccinated and for releasing 164 inmates to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in jails.
Trump’s pick for DEA head Chad Chronister withheld taxpayer money from unvaccinated deputies if they got sick. He gave taxpayer money to vaxxed deputies. Despicable.
Please, Pres. Trump, withdraw this nomination. The last thing we need in federal law enforcement is more tyranny. pic.twitter.com/612oj0mnqg
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 1, 2024
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) openly criticized Chronister’s nomination, referencing the pastor’s arrest. “This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic,” Massie posted on X. “Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their ever-lovin minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.”
Chronister’s decision comes on the heels of another withdrawal from Trump’s cabinet picks. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General last month amid controversy and GOP opposition. Gaetz’s departure made way for Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, to take on the role.
Chad Chronister is a COVID tyrant who arrested a Christian pastor for holding church in person during the pandemic.
Chronister held a press conference bragging about the arrest.
Chronister abused his power; he’s unfit to lead the DEA.
Trump should withdraw his nomination. pic.twitter.com/8jXtoPIX8q
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 1, 2024
