Sheriff Chad Chronister of 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Donald Trump‘s pick for the role of Administrator of the US Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA ), has withdrawn his candidacy, citing his ongoing commitment to local initiatives.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 dignity of a lifetime to have been chosen by President-elect @realDonaldTrump to function as superintendent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Chronister wrote in an X article on Wednesday.
” Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that I had graciously retreat from consideration as the weight of this very important role set in. There is still much more that needs to be done for Hillsborough County residents, and I’m taking steps to help with many of them,” he continued.
Chronister praised the election and pledged to keep in the position of sheriff.
But, the news has sparked combined emotions. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky criticized Chronister’s previous activities during the COVID-19 crisis, while District 1 Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini called the departure a “huge gain for liberty.”
Sheriff Chad Chronister withdraws from the race to lead the DEA, according to Trump.
The imprisonment of a priest was ordered by this sheriff because of the COVID stress. Trump appointed him to lead the DEA. Glad to observe him withdraw from thought. Next day officials lose their ever-lovin thoughts, he can resurrect himself by following the Constitution”, Massie wrote on X.
Chronister faced backlash in 2020 for arresting Dr. Ronald Howard-Browne, priest of The River at Tampa Bay Church, for holding in-person service in violation of common health purchases. At the time, Chronister defended the choice,” Announcing the imprisonment of Dr. Ronald Howard-Browne… who consciously and consistently disregarded state and local public health requests, which put his community and our community in risk. “, he said. The claims were eventually dropped.
Some liberals, including critic Liz Wheeler, criticised Chronister’s election. According to Wheeler,” Chad Chronister is a COVID despot who arrested a Christian pastor.”” He abused his authority, and he’s unfit to lead the DEA,” said Chronister.
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma defended Chronister,” What disqualifies anyone? Give an example of anyone who hasn’t made a miscalculation in the past because we all make mistakes in life,” he told Fox News.
Howard-Browne supported Chronister, sharing a picture praising their restored connection. He continued, adding that they had reconciled over breakfast after the affair,” I really believe he acted with the purpose of doing the right thing.”
Chronister’s choice leaves Trump searching for a fresh DEA nomination as his change advances.
