Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration was shockingly left out after MAGA outrage.
Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillborough County, Florida, sparked controversy for ordering the arrest of a pastor for holding church services at the height of the COVID pandemic.
MAGA ally Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who led the charge to push him aside, said he had simply “gone crazy.”
“This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic. He was appointed by Trump to head the DEA. “I’m glad he’s withdrawing from consideration,” he said.
“The next time politicians lose their ever-loving spirit, he can redeem himself by following the Constitution.”
Chronister confirmed his decision to step aside in a post on
The sheriff is said to have worked closely with another controversial Trump pick, RFK Jr., who was appointed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Chronister became the second Cabinet pick to withdraw from the Cabinet, following former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew after a sex scandal began to plague his chances for confirmation.
Sheriff Chad Chronister briefs the media
His shock departure came just days after his appointment by the president-elect, who praised his numerous accolades
Gaetz, an unequivocal supporter of Trump, had earned respect from the newly elected president despite the salacious accusations that followed.
In his statement responding to the decision, Trump said he looked forward to Gaetz’s future career.
“Matt has a bright future and I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do!” he wrote.
Trump has not yet commented on Chronister’s sudden resignation.
“To be nominated by the President-elect to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime,” Chronister said in a statement Tuesday.
“In recent days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility has become apparent, I have concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister continued.
“There is more work to be done for the residents of Hillsborough County and many initiatives I am eager to accomplish. I sincerely appreciate the nomination and the support of the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County.”
His shock departure came just days after his appointment by the president-elect, who praised his numerous accolades.
“I am pleased to nominate Sheriff Chad Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),” Trump wrote in a Nov. 30 post on Truth Social.
Chronister confirmed his decision to step aside in a post on X
“For more than 32 years, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and has received numerous awards and accolades for keeping his community SAFE.”
“As DEA Administrator, Chad 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,” Trump declared.
Bondi was nominated to fill the position of attorney general after Gaetz’s departure.
She is the former attorney general of Florida and has been on Capitol Hill this week to meet with senators and shore up support for her bid.