Sheriff Chad Chronister In Hillsborough, US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the role of administrator of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has withdrawn his candidacy, citing his ongoing commitment to local initiatives.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration,” the chronicler wrote in an X post on Wednesday.
“For the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility, I have come to the conclusion that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is still more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and many initiatives I am taking. Committed to accomplishing, ” he added.
Chronister expressed his gratitude for the nomination and vowed to continue serving as sheriff.
However, the announcement has received mixed responses. District 1 Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini A Republican congressman hailed the withdrawal as a “huge victory for liberty.” Thomas Massey Kentucky has criticized Chronister’s past actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This sheriff ordered the arrest of a priest for holding services during the COVID panic. He was tapped by Trump to head the DEA. Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. The next time politicians lose their ever-loving minds, He can redeem himself by following the constitution,” Massey wrote on X.
Chronister was invited in 2020 by Rev. Dr. River at Tampa Bay Church. Ronald Howard-Brown faced backlash for being arrested for holding personal services in violation of public health orders. At the time, the Chronister defended the decision, “announcing the arrest of Dr. Ronald Howard-Brown… who willfully and repeatedly disregarded state and local public health orders, putting his congregation and our community at risk.” He said. The charges were later dropped.
Some conservatives, including commentator Liz Wheeler, criticized Chronister’s nomination. “Chad Chronister is a covid tyrant who arrested a Christian pastor… Chronister abused his power; he is unfit to lead the DEA,” Wheeler wrote on X.
Senator Markwen Mullin of Oklahoma defended the chronicler, saying, “What makes someone unfit? We all make mistakes throughout our lives…Give me an example of anyone who hasn’t made a mistake in the past,” he told Fox News.
Howard-Brown supported the chronicler by sharing a video praising their restored friendship. “I really believe he acted with the intention of doing the right thing,” he said, adding that they reconciled over dinner after the incident.
Chronister’s decision leaves Trump searching for a new DEA nominee as his transition progresses.