WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, has withdrawn his name from consideration, becoming the second high-profile selection for the incoming administration to step aside.
The Hillsborough County sheriff cited the “gravity” of the role in his announcement, but Trump claimed he made the decision to pull Chronister from the running.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Chronister announced his withdrawal on X (formerly Twitter), describing the opportunity as “the honour of a lifetime.”
“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 wrote without offering further explanation.
To have been nominated by President-Elect @realDonaldTrump to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully… pic.twitter.com/bvNF8m9Bh4
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) December 3, 2024
Trump’s Statement
A day later, Trump took to Truth Social to claim responsibility for the decision.
“He didn’t pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters,” Trump wrote.
Conservative Criticism
Chronister’s nomination faced immediate criticism from some conservatives, who scrutinised his past actions and statements. Among the most contentious issues:
- COVID-19 Enforcement: In March 2020, Chronister arrested a megachurch pastor for holding services in violation of a safer-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Shame on this pastor,” Chronister said at the time. Critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), argued the arrest demonstrated an overreach of government authority.
- Immigration Stance: A 2023 video surfaced in which Chronister stated that his office does not engage in federal immigration enforcement. He emphasised the “rich diversity” of his community and said his office does not target individuals based on immigration status, adding, “That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made aggressive immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his policy platform, and Chronister’s comments drew ire from immigration hardliners.
Context of Withdrawal
Chronister is the second major figure from Trump’s transition team to bow out.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, withdrew from consideration following renewed scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation.
Gaetz has denied wrongdoing, but the controversy raised questions about his ability to secure Senate confirmation.
The withdrawal of two prominent nominees has sparked concerns about the challenges Trump faces in assembling his administration.
Both withdrawals highlight tensions between Trump’s priorities and the public records of his chosen appointees.
Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration and law enforcement has drawn intense scrutiny, making Senate confirmation a potentially steep hurdle for several appointees.
What’s Next?
The DEA position remains vacant as Trump’s team continues vetting candidates.
While Chronister’s withdrawal marks a setback, Trump has signalled his intent to double down on nominees who align closely with his policy agenda, particularly on immigration and law enforcement.
With just weeks before Trump’s inauguration, the administration faces increasing pressure to fill key roles while navigating the heightened scrutiny that comes with Senate confirmation.
