Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced Tuesday that he will withdraw 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 turn down a top job in Trump's incoming administration, following former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from his bid for attorney general.
Chronister, the longtime sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, explained his decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, underscoring 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 the work underway in Hillsborough County and the initiatives he has already undertaken were key factors in his decision to leave the federal position.
Trump's praise and Chronister's first reaction
Trump's initial nomination of Chronister came over the weekend, with the president-elect praising the sheriff for his leadership and expressing confidence in his ability to address 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 appointment, calling it a “deep honor” in a statement posted on his role in 2017 by then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott, now a U.S. senator. Scott described Chronister as an “incredible choice” for the DEA position, noting his law enforcement experience and dedication to public safety.
Criticism and controversy over the appointment
Despite support from Trump and Scott, Chronister's nomination drew criticism from some Republicans, particularly regarding his handling of some 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 it withdraw from consideration. The next time politicians lose their minds, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.”
At the time of the arrest, Chronister defended his decision, saying 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, although the decision sparked heated debate over the balance between public safety and constitutional rights.
Asked whether the negative reaction influenced his retirement, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office directed reporters to Chronister's official statement but declined to comment further.
A pattern of retreats in the Trump 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 due to allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied.
The departures highlight the challenges Trump faces in putting together 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.
The future of Chronister and the local focus
For now, Chronister appears focused on his responsibilities as sheriff of Hillsborough County. In his statement, he reiterated his commitment to advancing local initiatives and serving the residents of his county. Chronister's tenure was 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 reject the DEA position suggests he is prioritizing his current role over national ambitions. It remains uncertain whether it will pursue such opportunities in the future.
As Trump's team continues to navigate the complexities of transition-related appointments, the spotlight will remain on how the president-elect will fill key positions in his administration. For now, Chronister's withdrawal highlights the difficult decisions public officials face in balancing local commitments with national responsibilities.