Official statements from Trump or credible news outlets

Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister Withdraws as Trump's DEA Nominee Amid Conservative Backlash

Dec 3, 2024, 10:42 PM

Chad Chronister, the Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, has withdrawn his nomination as President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The decision comes just two days after Trump's announcement of his selection and follows backlash from some conservatives over Chronister's previous actions, including arresting a pastor for violating COVID-19 lockdown rules, supporting Black Lives Matter (BLM), enforcing vaccine mandates on deputies, and donating to Democratic politicians. Chronister cited the magnitude of the role, stating, 'Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I've concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration.'