Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister recently announced his withdrawal from consideration as the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Chronister cited his commitment to local duties and controversy from past actions as reasons for his decision, Fox News reported.

President-elect Donald Trump initially nominated Chad Chronister to lead the DEA, sparking mixed reactions. As sheriff, Chronister has handled notable incidents, including enforcing public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement on X, Chronister called the nomination "the honor of a lifetime" but expressed his decision to focus on his current role in Hillsborough County. He mentioned ongoing initiatives and his dedication to the community as central to his decision.

A Sheriff's Duty Calls Him Home

The sheriff's withdrawal follows significant criticism, particularly centered on his actions during the pandemic. In March 2020, Chronister made headlines for arresting Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne for violating public health orders by holding church services.

This arrest sparked a debate about religious freedoms and public health, with Chronister defending his actions as necessary for community safety. He hoped the arrest would act as a deterrent to others considering similar violations.

Although the charges against Howard-Browne were eventually dropped, the incident left a lasting impact on Chronister's public image and was frequently brought up during discussions of his nomination.

Public Figures React to Nomination Withdrawal

Chronister's decision was met with relief by some and disappointment by others. District 1 County Commissioner of Lake County, Anthony Sabatini, called it a "huge win for liberty," suggesting that the withdrawal spared potential misuse of authority at a higher level.

On the other hand, Senator Markwayne Mullin defended Chronister on Fox News, arguing that everyone makes mistakes and questioning the permanence of such disqualifications.

Liz Wheeler and Representative Chip Roy were among the more vocal critics, labeling Chronister as authoritarian and unfit for the DEA role due to his past decisions during the pandemic.

Pastor Supports Chronister Despite Arrest

Pastor Howard-Browne, despite his arrest, actively supported Chronister. He posted a video on X, where he detailed how they restored their friendship after an initial fallout. Howard-Browne highlighted Chronister's good intentions and their reconciled relationship.

Governor Rick Scott first appointed Chronister in 2017, and the community re-elected him twice, reflecting his significant local presence. His tenure has sparked both controversy and praise.

While Chronister continues serving as sheriff, the DEA position remains vacant as the Trump administration has yet to announce a new nominee.

Continuing Service at Hillsborough County

With his decision to stay local, Chronister plans to focus on numerous county initiatives. His statement highlighted a commitment to the citizens of Hillsborough County, suggesting that his work there remains unfinished.

As the community reacts to his continued leadership, many will watch closely to see how his decisions unfold in the wake of this controversy and what impact they may have on his future career.

The sheriff's office and local officials are preparing for the next stages of law enforcement leadership, with Chronister at the helm. His focus remains on local challenges and opportunities.