Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister Withdraws Nomination to Lead DEA
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced on social media Tuesday evening that he is withdrawing his nomination to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a position he was selected for by President-elect Donald Trump.
In an Instagram post, Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination, calling it “the honor of a lifetime.” However, he stated that after careful consideration, he had decided to step down from the role.
“To have been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” Chronister wrote. “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.”
Chronister’s withdrawal marks the second such instance of a nominee stepping back after being selected by President-elect Trump. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz previously withdrew from consideration for Attorney General following the emergence of various scandals.
When Chronister was first nominated, President-elect Trump praised his extensive experience and commitment to public safety. “For over 32 years, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and received countless commendations and awards for keeping his community SAFE,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform.
Chronister, who was appointed to lead the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 by then-Governor Rick Scott, holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminology. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th session. Chronister has been re-elected twice, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in law enforcement.
Despite Chronister’s withdrawal, some in the law enforcement community had expressed optimism about his potential leadership at the DEA. Brian Boyd, a former Green Beret and DEA intelligence analyst, said he was impressed by Chronister’s credentials and background. “He’s been reelected twice, my opinion is he’d be very well liked by the rank and file of DEA,” Boyd remarked.
Chronister’s decision leaves the Trump administration seeking a new nominee to lead the DEA, which remains one of the key agencies in the fight against illegal drugs in the U.S.
