Amidst significant conservative backlash, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to head the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), has withdrawn his nomination.
The New York Post reported that Chronister stepped down from his DEA nomination following criticism over his pandemic-era actions, particularly the arrest of a pastor.
President-elect Trump announced Sheriff Chad Chronister as his nominee to lead the DEA, sparking immediate reaction.
Chronister, known for his role in Hillsborough County, found his past actions under scrutiny just days after his nomination.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Sheriff Chronister arrested Pastor Ronald Howard-Browne on March 30, 2020, for defying public health orders. This arrest was a significant point of contention during Chronister's nomination. Although the charges were later dropped, the focus on compliance over criminal punishment did little to quell the ensuing controversy.
His decision to withdraw came after fervent criticism from key conservative figures. Representatives Thomas Massie and Chip Roy, along with commentator Liz Wheeler, were vocal in their disapproval, labeling Chronister a "COVID tyrant" and questioning his suitability for the national role.
Rep. Thomas Massie expressed his disapproval through a tweet, directly attacking Chronister's decision during the lockdowns. "Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest [of] a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns," he stated.
Similarly, Rep. Chip Roy emphasized the need for constitutional discretion in leadership positions, telling Fox News Digital, "We don’t need authoritarians who refuse to use discretion and protect the Constitution — no matter which party is in power."
Despite the backlash, Chronister received support from an unlikely source—Pastor Howard-Browne himself. The pastor highlighted their restored friendship and Chronister’s growth in character since their conflict during the lockdowns.
"Shortly after my arrest, Sheriff Chronister called me and told me he truly missed our friendship. We met for dinner at my house and we were able to restore the friendship we had, one I will always cherish," Pastor Howard-Browne shared, adding that Chronister's vision and leadership made him an ideal candidate for the DEA.
In a statement regarding his withdrawal, Chronister expressed his honor at the nomination and gratitude for the support received. "To have been nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime," he stated.
However, Chronister concluded that his responsibilities at home were far from over. "Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling," he added.
Despite the withdrawal, President-elect Trump had praised Chronister’s extensive law enforcement record and his public safety efforts, particularly in combating human trafficking. Trump's vision for Chronister also included significant roles in securing the U.S. southern border and stopping the illegal drug flow.
"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 stated during the nomination announcement.
