In a surprising political turnaround, Chad Chronister, nominated to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, has decided to withdraw his nomination.

This controversial development follows sharp criticism from MAGA supporters and marks the second Cabinet withdrawal for Donald Trump after former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Mail Online reported.

Chronister, the current Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, faced backlash primarily for his decision to arrest Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne in March 2020 over COVID-19-related violations. Announced as Trump’s pick for the DEA on November 30 via Truth Social, the nomination highlighted Chronister's extensive three-decade law enforcement career.

However, Chronister's enforcement actions during the pandemic quickly became a focal point for criticism. Representative Thomas Massie and conservative commentator Liz Wheeler spearheaded the vocal opposition, painting the sheriff as overly authoritarian during the health crisis.

MAGA Influencers Lead Charge Against Nomination

Rep. Massie explicitly criticized Chronister’s COVID-19 measures on social media, expressing satisfaction at his withdrawal. He called for potential future adherence to constitutional principles in similar situations. Liz Wheeler was similarly harsh, branding Chronister a "COVID tyrant" who was unfit for federal leadership.

The backlash grew strong enough that Chronister opted to step down from the nomination. In a statement posted on X, Chronister did not provide specific reasons for his decision but expressed gratitude and honor at having been considered for the role. He emphasized his commitment to continuing his work in Hillsborough County.

"To have been nominated...is the honor of a lifetime," Chronister said, announcing his withdrawal only days after Trump’s public commendation of his qualifications. "There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County." Chronister’s statement echoed a sentiment of unfinished local business overriding the call to national service.

Endorsements and Opposition Clash

Past controversies also played a part in coloring the perspectives around Chronister's nomination. Despite the earlier arrest incident, Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne came out in support of Chronister, affirming a strong personal reconciliation and endorsing the sheriff's potential DEA leadership.

In contrast, the fallout for Trump’s team marks another hiccup in establishing his Cabinet. The earlier withdrawal of Matt Gaetz over a sex scandal had already dampened the administration's initial efforts. Trump had not publicly commented on Chronister's departure as of the latest updates.

On his part, President-elect Trump had been vocal about Chronister’s capabilities to combat drug problems in the United States, especially concerning border security and the illegal drug flow, including fentanyl. He praised Chronister's ability to "secure the Border, stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other Illegal Drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE LIVES."

Future Cabinet Constructs Remain Uncertain

With Chronister stepping down, uncertainty looms over who will step into the pivotal role at the DEA. Speculation about potential nominees is already underway, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for a leader who can navigate both enforcing the law and managing political sensibilities.

As Trump refrains from commenting directly on the withdrawal, the focus shifts to his upcoming Cabinet picks. Observers are keenly watching how he will address this setback and fill the crucial positions with less controversy.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, particularly relating to the management of past crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. It exposes the delicate balance Trump faces in aligning his Cabinet choices with the expectations of his core supporters and broader GOP constituents.