Chad Chronister, the current Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, has announced his decision to withdraw his name from consideration for the position of running the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This move comes shortly after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump, making him the second individual to step back from a Senate-confirmed role under the new administration.
In a statement posted online, Sheriff Chronister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, referring to it as 'the honor of a lifetime.' However, he cited the weight of the responsibility associated with the position as a factor in his decision to withdraw. The specifics behind his choice were not disclosed, and the transition team for President-elect Trump has yet to comment on the matter.
Chronister's withdrawal follows that of former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz, who was initially selected by Trump for the role of attorney general but later withdrew due to scrutiny surrounding a federal sex trafficking investigation.
Concerns raised by conservatives regarding Chronister's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on federal immigration enforcement were also noted. In March 2020, Chronister made headlines for arresting a pastor who violated pandemic-related restrictions by holding large church services. His statement at the time emphasized the necessity of enforcing public safety measures during a state of emergency.
Additionally, comments made by Chronister in a video from 2023 resurfaced online after his nomination, where he highlighted the diversity of his community and clarified that his office does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities, as that falls under the jurisdiction of federal agencies.
These factors, along with the broader context of Trump's immigration policies, contributed to the backlash against Chronister's nomination for the DEA role. The decision to withdraw his name signifies a shift in the administration's selection process for key positions.
