“The Gravity of This Very Important Responsibility”: Sheriff Chad Chronister Withdraws from DEA Nomination
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister was appointed to the post by David Gee as Gee retired. Chronister later won election. [ Times ]
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced on Tuesday that he would be withdrawing from consideration, citing “the gravity” of the role. The sheriff made the announcement through a social media post, explaining that, after careful reflection, he had reconsidered his decision to accept the nomination.
“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 wrote on X. “There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling. I sincerely appreciate the nomination and outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”
Chronister’s nomination to head the nation’s premier drug enforcement agency took many by surprise, with some political observers questioning his qualifications. Although Chronister had 30 years of experience in local law enforcement, he was seen by some as lacking the expertise needed for the geopolitical challenges of the drug war.
According to the New York Times, “While he had a 30-year background in local law enforcement, he had no experience in the geopolitical aspects of the drug war.” The report also noted that Trump’s stance on drug policy, including threats to impose tariffs on Mexico and China over drug and immigration issues, had added complexity to the role.
Chronister’s nomination was further complicated by criticism from conservative circles due to his handling of pandemic-era COVID-19 regulations. He had ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the height of the COVID panic, which became a point of contention among some lawmakers and public figures.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) commented on the sheriff’s withdrawal, writing on X, “This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic. Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their ever-loving minds, they can redeem themselves by following the Constitution.”
MAGA internet personality Nick Sortor also weighed in, calling the withdrawal a “Good move” and expressing surprise that the issue wasn’t caught during the vetting process.
