Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has decided to withdraw his name from consideration as President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” expressed Chronister in a post on X.
“Over the past several days, as the importance of this role set in, I have come to the conclusion that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and many initiatives I am dedicated to fulfilling,” continued Chronister.
He expressed gratitude for the nomination and the support from the American people, stating that he is excited to continue his work as sheriff.
THOMAS MASSIE, CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATORS CRITICIZE TRUMP’S DEA NOMINEE
Lake County District 1 County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini described Chronister’s decision to step down as a “huge win for liberty.”
TRUMP NOMINATES FLORIDA SHERIFF CHAD CHRONISTER TO LEAD THE DEA
“This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic. He was chosen by Trump to lead the DEA. Glad to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution,” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., stated in a post on X following the sheriff’s announcement.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., defended the sheriff in an interview with Fox News after Chronister’s withdrawal.
“What should disqualify someone? We all make mistakes in life, right? I haven’t discussed any details yet. But in terms of someone making a mistake in their past, can you give an example of anyone who hasn’t made a mistake in the past?” Mullin questioned.
Chronister faced criticism from various conservative figures for arresting a pastor for violating COVID rules.
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Announcing the arrest of Dr. Ronald Howard-Browne, Pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, who intentionally and repeatedly disregarded state and local public health orders, which put his congregation and our community in danger,” Chronister tweeted at the time.
“We’re hoping that this serves as a deterrent,” commented Chronister during a 2020 news conference. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff, and the leaders of this church for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency.”
The charges against Howard-Browne were eventually dropped.
Conservative commentator Liz Wheeler urged Trump to revoke his selection following the nomination.
“Chad Chronister is a COVID tyrant who arrested a Christian pastor for holding church in person during the pandemic. Chronister held a press conference bragging about the arrest. Chronister abused his power; he’s unfit to lead the DEA. Trump should withdraw his nomination,” Wheeler posted on X previously.
In a previous statement to Fox News Digital on Monday, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, stated, “We don’t need authoritarians who refuse to use discretion and protect the Constitution – no matter which party is in power.”
Despite his arrest, Howard-Browne voiced his support for Chronister, sharing a video on X alongside the sheriff.
“Chad Chronister has been my friend for many years, through good times and challenges,” Howard-Browne expressed in a message, directed to Trump, shared publicly on X.
“I truly believe he acted with the intention of doing the right thing, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how he has learned and grown from those experiences. Shortly after my arrest, Sheriff Chronister called me and told me he truly missed our friendship. We met for dinner at my house, and we were able to restore the friendship we had, one I will always cherish,” he continued.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Chronister was appointed by then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott to lead the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2017, and has been re-elected twice.
Fox News Digital’s Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
