President-elect Trump's choice to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was withdrawn from consideration on Tuesday, just three days after Trump announced his nomination.
Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister Said in X's post He announced Tuesday night that he would instead serve in his current role overseeing the Sunshine State region, which includes Tampa Bay.
“Over the past few days, I have felt the weight of this very important responsibility, and I have come to the conclusion that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister said.
“There is still much work to do for the residents of Hillsborough County and many commitments that I am committed to fulfilling,” Chronister continued. “I am deeply grateful for this appointment and the outpouring of support from the American people, and I look forward to continuing my duties as Hillsborough County Sheriff.”
Hill reached out to President Trump's press secretary for a response to Chronister's announcement.
playing cards announced As a candidate to lead the DEA, Chronister named a local sheriff in charge of the agency tasked with seizing illegal drugs ranging from fentanyl to other opioids in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.
“I am pleased to nominate Sheriff Chad Chronister to be Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),” President Trump wrote.
President Trump added, “Sheriff Chad Chronister served the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for more than 32 years and received countless recognitions and awards for keeping our communities safe.”
Mr. Chronister's background is primarily in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the 260th session of the FBI National Academy, co-chairs the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region IV Tampa Bay, and served as a trustee of the Florida Attorney General's Statewide Council on Human Trafficking. I had a period.
He is the second presidential candidate to decline the nomination. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who had been nominated to be attorney general, withdrew his candidacy eight days after President Trump shocked the political world by nominating him to lead the law enforcement agency.
Gates was previously investigated by the Justice Department as part of a broader sex trafficking investigation that included charges involving underage women. The department ultimately decided not to press charges, and Gaetz strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The Florida Republican's quick exit suggests he knew he was unlikely to win the votes needed for Senate confirmation.
Updated at 6pm EST.
