Trump’s Nominee To Lead The DEA Backs Out After ‘COVID Tyrant’ Pushback [WATCH]

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#BREAKING: Hillsborough County, FL Sheriff Chad Chronister has WITHDRAWN his name from DEA Administrator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

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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.

“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

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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