Republican Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced on social media on Tuesday that he would be withdrawing his name following online backlash. .
Over the weekend, President Trump announced that Chronister would be appointed to lead the DEA, and the Florida sheriff, along with attorney general nominee Pam Bondi, will “secure the border and improve the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs across the southern border.” “We will prevent this.” But just one day after the announcement, conservatives online opposed the nomination, pointing to Chronister’s performance during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a post Tuesday afternoon in the X, Chronister said that while the nomination was “the honor of a lifetime,” he was withdrawing his name because “Hillsborough County” has “more work to do.” (Related: RFK Jr. wants to take fluoride out of water — and it’s not as crazy as his detractors claim)
“Being nominated by the next president means… @realDonaldTrump It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration. As I have felt the weight of this very important responsibility over the last few days, I have come to the conclusion that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister said.
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being nominated by the next president @realDonaldTrump It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration. In recent days, I have felt the weight of this very important responsibility and have concluded that I must respond with respect… pic.twitter.com/bvNF8m9Bh4
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) December 3, 2024
“There is still much work to be done for the residents of Hillsborough County, and there are many commitments that I am committed to fulfilling,” Chronister said. “I am deeply grateful for this appointment and the outpouring of support from the American people, and I look forward to continuing my duties as Hillsborough County Sheriff.”
Conservatives online criticized Mr. Chronister’s nomination, many citing his criticism of the arrest of local Tampa Bay church pastor Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne on two second-degree misdemeanor counts of unlawful assembly and violation of public health emergency rules. I pointed out how it was approved. According to a March 2020 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release, Chronister said Officials said they would “never impede people’s ability to rely on religious beliefs as a means of comfort” but that those who practice their faith must do so “safely.”
“His reckless disregard for human life puts hundreds of his members at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week,” Chronister said. “Tampa Bay River has an advantage over most houses of worship because Tampa Bay Houses of Worship has the ability to live stream worship services over the internet and broadcast television for over 4,000 members to watch safely from home.” Because we have access to technology that
But not everyone opposed the Florida sheriff’s nomination. While his colleagues praised the selection, Howard Brown also released a video with the sheriff, calling him a friend and supporting Chronister to lead the DEA.
“Yes, I was arrested due to COVID-19, but we have always been friends and continue to be friends.” Howard Brown said In a video posted to X on Sunday evening.
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