Chronister expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
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
Despite Chronister’s credentials, many conservatives are alarmed by his past actions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most contentious incidents was the arrest of Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, a Tampa pastor, for holding church services in defiance of lockdown orders.
Chronister defended the move at the time:
“Announcing the arrest of Dr. Ronald Howard-Browne, Pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, who intentionally and repeatedly disregarded state and local public health orders, which put his congregation and our community in danger.”
THIS MAN’S NOMINATION MUST BE BLOCKED
HE WAS A TYRANT DURING COVID 👇
I HAD TO SUE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO STOP THE INSANITY HE CREATED
This arrest drew sharp criticism from conservatives, who viewed it as a violation of religious liberty. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) called for Chronister’s disqualification, stating:
“Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest of a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.”
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
Critics also point to Chronister’s support for progressive policies and events. Under his leadership, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office became the first in the area to participate in Tampa’s Pride Parade and launched an LGBTQ liaison program. Chronister described the initiative as a way to foster stronger community bonds, stating:
“This new liaison program will be a two-way street between the LGBTQ community and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.”
Such actions have fueled concerns about Chronister’s conservative credentials. Tampa native and Army veteran Spence Rogers labeled him a “woke Democrat plant,” accusing him of betraying conservative values.
Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)
Further skepticism surrounds Chronister’s history of political donations, which include contributions to prominent Democrats such as Barack Obama and Charlie Crist. These financial ties have led some to question his loyalty to Republican principles.
Chronister’s decisions during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 also face scrutiny. Critics allege that his deputies were instructed to stand down as rioters damaged public property, including a gate at the Hillsborough County Jail. A detention deputy described the situation as “ridiculous,” adding that it deeply affected morale among officers.
WATCH:
Additionally, Chronister’s support for red flag gun confiscation laws has drawn backlash. His office reportedly utilized these laws multiple times, including one instance involving the seizure of 28 firearms. Chronister defended the policy, stating:
“Fortunately, because of our Red Flag Law, a tragedy more than likely has been prevented.”
Conservative voices are urging President Trump to reconsider Chronister’s nomination. They argue that his record, from COVID-era arrests to progressive affiliations, clashes with the administration’s law-and-order agenda.
I am from Tampa Bay, Florida. I have followed Chad Chronister's career and people are asking me why he is a bad pick to be head of DEA. Conservatives here do not support Chronister. Chronister is a woke and weak Democrat plant and will backstab President Trump. He cannot be… pic.twitter.com/AfGxiFXvIc
As the debate intensifies, the nomination raises critical questions about the priorities of the Republican Party and its leadership in law enforcement. Will Chronister’s experience outweigh the concerns of his critics, or will the backlash force Trump to reevaluate his choice? The answer could shape the future of the DEA—and Trump’s standing with his conservative base.
He sounds a little too willing to cooperate with the liberal idiots in office – Did he think the demonrats were always going to be in office? Trump might want to reconsider the consequences…
He sounds a little too willing to cooperate with the liberal idiots in office – Did he think the demonrats were always going to be in office? Trump might want to reconsider the consequences…