Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has announced his decision to withdraw from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
🚨 #BREAKING: Hillsborough County, FL Sheriff Chad Chronister has WITHDRAWN his name from DEA Administrator
This comes after massive pushback over him arresting a pastor for holding services during COVID. Good move. pic.twitter.com/G7lXFuTDA3 — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 3, 2024
The announcement came via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, where Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination while explaining his reasons for stepping aside.
“To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” Chronister wrote.
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“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.”
Chronister emphasized his commitment to continuing his role as sheriff in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he has served since 2017.
“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. “I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”
To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully… pic.twitter.com/bvNF8m9Bh4
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) December 3, 2024
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Chronister was appointed as Hillsborough County Sheriff in 2017 by then-Florida Governor Rick Scott and has since been re-elected twice, most recently in 2020.
During his tenure, he has focused on addressing violent crime, improving community relations, and expanding mental health and addiction resources in the county.
The decision to withdraw from consideration comes as the Trump transition team continues to fill key cabinet and agency positions ahead of the president-elect’s January inauguration.
Chronister’s nomination to lead the DEA had been seen as a nod to his extensive law enforcement experience and focus on combating drug-related crimes.
The DEA administrator plays a critical role in national drug enforcement policy, overseeing efforts to combat drug trafficking, reduce illegal drug use, and manage the agency’s international operations.
The announcement leaves President-elect Trump’s team searching for another candidate to fill the crucial role at the DEA.
No immediate successor has been named, but the decision will likely be a priority as the administration seeks to bolster efforts to address the nation’s opioid crisis and combat illegal drug trafficking.
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You believe that excuse? I’d believe he got a message to save face instead of Trump having to UNselect him
I can’t believe he was reelected twice after the Covid incident!
You know that the sheriff of a county is the highest Authority in the county and absolutely did not have to follow orders! And my personal opinion is this and nicest way i know how to put it F-Chad C, And actually F. Trump for picking him I am beginning to think Trump has been killed off & replaced w/a commie!!!
Trump has always had difficulty picking people who he thinks are loyal. He picks a squad of relatives and good friends then lets them make choices then shit happens.
sound like he is a RINO and no balls to fight for this Country and help rid it of numnut dems
What a lame jack a$$. Good riddance but shame on Trump’s people for a horrible vetting process. We don’t need tyrants who blindly enforce edicts that do not rise to the level of a law. Even when enforcing actual laws, there is some leeway and judgement involved. He showed none of the above.
Trump should appoint Joe Arpaio as DEA chief.
Holding church services in the heat of the pandemic was totally irresponsible and Chronister did the right thing.