Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing his name from consideration to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), just days after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the role. Chronister’s decision makes him the second individual to decline a major post in Trump’s incoming administration, following former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration for attorney general.
Chronister, a longtime sheriff in Hillsborough County, Florida, explained his decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing his dedication to serving his local community. “Being nominated by President-elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” Chronister wrote. “However, as the gravity of this responsibility has become apparent, I have concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration.”
He added that his commitment to his ongoing work in Hillsborough County and the initiatives he has already undertaken were key factors in his decision to step away from the federal appointment.
Trump’s praise and Chronister’s initial reaction
Trump’s initial nomination of Chronister occurred over the weekend, with the president-elect praising the sheriff for his leadership and expressing confidence in his ability to tackle critical issues such as the opioid crisis and border security. In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Chronister’s qualifications, writing, “He will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the border, stop the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs across the southern border, and SAVE LIVES.”
Chronister initially responded enthusiastically to the nomination, calling it a “deep honor” in a statement posted on X. The sheriff, who has served in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years, was first appointed to his role in 2017 by then-Florida Governor Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator. Scott described Chronister as an “incredible choice” for the DEA position, underscoring his law enforcement experience and dedication to public safety.
Criticism and controversy surrounding the nomination
Despite the support from Trump and Scott, Chronister’s nomination drew criticism from some Republicans, particularly regarding his handling of certain decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was among those who expressed opposition, citing Chronister’s controversial role in the 2020 arrest of Rodney Howard-Browne, a Florida pastor who defied local pandemic restrictions on large gatherings.
Massie criticized Chronister on X, writing, “This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding church services during the Covid panic. He was chosen by Trump to run the DEA. I’m happy to see him withdraw from consideration. Next time politicians lose their minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.”
At the time of the arrest, Chronister defended his decision, stating that the pastor’s “reckless disregard for human life” endangered both his congregation and the broader community. Chronister argued that the move was necessary to protect public health during an unprecedented crisis, though the decision sparked heated debate over the balance between public safety and constitutional rights.
When questioned about whether the backlash influenced his withdrawal, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office referred reporters to Chronister’s official statement but declined to comment further.
A pattern of withdrawals in Trump’s transition
Chronister’s decision to step aside marks the second high-profile withdrawal from Trump’s second-term transition team. Last month, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., removed his name from consideration for attorney general amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied.
The departures highlight the challenges Trump faces in assembling his administration as he prepares to begin his second term. The DEA position, a critical role within the Department of Justice, requires Senate confirmation and is responsible for overseeing federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and the opioid epidemic.
Chronister’s future and local focus
For now, Chronister appears focused on his responsibilities as Hillsborough County Sheriff. In his statement, he reiterated his commitment to advancing local initiatives and serving the residents of his county. Chronister’s tenure has been marked by efforts to address crime, improve community relations, and implement reforms within the sheriff’s office.
While some have speculated about a future federal role for Chronister, his decision to decline the DEA position suggests he is prioritizing his current role over national ambitions. Whether he will pursue such opportunities down the line remains uncertain.
As Trump’s team continues to navigate the complexities of transition appointments, the spotlight will remain on how the president-elect fills key positions in his administration. For now, Chronister’s withdrawal underscores the difficult decisions facing public officials when balancing local commitments with national responsibilities.
