Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida, has announced his decision to withdraw from consideration for the role of head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under President-elect Donald Trump. On social media platform X, Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination but emphasized his commitment to his current responsibilities in Hillsborough County.
His withdrawal follows scrutiny from within the Republican Party, particularly from Trump’s conservative supporters who criticized Chronister for enforcing Covid-19 restrictions, including the arrest of a pastor in the Tampa area during the pandemic. Trump later clarified via Truth Social that he chose to withdraw his support for Chronister due to comments made to his supporters and pastors, highlighting the tensions surrounding leadership and public safety during the pandemic.
Chronister’s announcement marks him as the second nominee to step back from positions in Trump’s upcoming administration, following former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who also withdrew from a nomination for attorney general last month.
Serving as sheriff since 2017, Chronister has a long history with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, including two successful reelections. Meanwhile, his personal connections, notably his marriage to Nicole DeBartolo, daughter of former NFL team owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., introduce additional nuances to his public profile, particularly as DeBartolo received a presidential pardon from Trump in 2020 for a past felony.
Chronister’s focus on his community commitments is commendable, showcasing that leadership extends beyond federal appointments. As he continues to serve as sheriff, there’s an opportunity for his ongoing initiatives in local law enforcement to positively impact public safety, ultimately contributing to the well-being of Hillsborough County residents.