MAGA Shreds Trump Pick Over ‘Outrageous’ Past: ‘Absolutely Disqualifying’
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has ignited controversy within conservative circles, primarily due to Chronister’s controversial actions during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Trump announced Saturday his intention to nominate Chronister as DEA administrator in his potential second administration, citing plans to collaborate with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to combat drug trafficking and secure the southern border.
They will particularly target fentanyl smuggling, Trump explained.
It is the honor of a lifetime to be nominated by President @realDonaldTrump to serve as the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve our nation. pic.twitter.com/X5lslYyF1U
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) December 1, 2024
Chronister’s past decisions, especially his role in arresting a Tampa Bay church pastor during COVID-19 restrictions, have drawn sharp criticism from prominent conservative voices, however.
Daily Caller reported that in March 2020, under Chronister’s leadership, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne on misdemeanor charges for conducting church services in defiance of public health emergency rules.
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie voiced strong opposition to the nomination on social media platform X, stating, “I’m going to call ’em like I see ’em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”
CEO and Co-Founder of the Federalist Sean Davis chimed in to add, “Chronister’s behavior during COVID is indefensible and disqualifying.”
I’m going to call ‘em like I see ‘em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns. https://t.co/pHSmGr81Tz
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 1, 2024
The controversy deepened as other conservative figures joined the criticism.
Media personality John Cardillo retracted his initial support for Chronister, labeling him a “COVIDian Sheriff” who collaborated with Andrew Warren, a prosecutor later removed from office by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Conservative leaning commentators like Tim Pool highlighted that at the time of the pastor’s arrest, Chronister defended his actions, stating, “His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week in danger.”
He emphasized that the church had technology available for virtual services.
You arrested pastors for trying to hold church services.
Why is this pick something anyone against lockdowns or big/deep state celebrate? https://t.co/eTLDy80Nf6— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) December 1, 2024
Further scrutiny has emerged regarding Chronister’s decision to release 164 inmates from the county jail in March 2020 as a COVID-19 precaution, per Daily Caller.
The outlet noted that this decision backfired when one released inmate, Joseph Edwards Williams, was arrested the following day for second-degree murder and additional charges including heroin possession.
Daily Caller reported that after Williams’ arrest, Chronister acknowledged the failure, stating, “There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level, non-violent offense.”
While Chronister expressed gratitude for the nomination on social media, calling it a “deeply humbling” opportunity to serve the nation, both he and Trump’s campaign have not responded to requests for comment by Daily Caller on the mounting criticism at the time of this writing.
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