Conservatives are voicing their concerns over President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The sheriff’s past actions during the COVID-19 pandemic have raised eyebrows among some republicans, prompting calls for his nomination to be reconsidered.
Trump announced Chronister’s nomination with statements highlighting his commitment to combating drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl across the southern border. During the announcement, he expressed confidence in Chronister’s abilities to work alongside his attorney general pick, Pam Bondi, to tackle drug-related issues. Nonetheless, the initial praise from colleagues has started to dwindle as evidence of Chronister's strict enforcement during the pandemic surfaces.
The tipping point appears to have stemmed from Chronister's involvement in the March 2020 arrest of Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of the River at Tampa Bay Church. Dr. Howard-Browne faced charges for unlawfully assembling and violating public health guidelines meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. The arrest drew criticisms from libertarian circles, with the Libertarian Party of Mississippi publicly condemning Chronister’s actions.
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie took to social media platforms to express his disapproval, stating, "I’m going to call ‘em like I see ‘em. Trump’s nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest of a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns.” His pointed remarks reflect broader unease within certain conservative factions over the previous sheriff's actions during the pandemic.
Not all conservatives are on the same page, though. Some, including Florida Senator Rick Scott, have defended Chronister as the right choice for the position, citing his lengthy experience and dedication to fighting crime and the opioid crisis. Scott, who appointed Chronister as sheriff during his governorship, has publicly praised his track record, emphasizing his commitment to public safety.
While Trump’s nomination of Chronister has garnered support from some Floridians, it has simultaneously incited significant backlash due to his actions related to the COVID-19 lockdowns. This tension is gently surfacing as online personalities, including podcaster Tim Pool, have even suggested harsh consequences, advocating for prison time for the sheriff due to his handling of the pandemic situation.
Chronister issued firm statements during the arrest of Dr. Howard-Browne, emphasizing the need for compliance with public health orders. He claimed, "His reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them this week in danger.” Chronister attempted to present his course of action as necessary for the safety of the general public.
Notably, alongside Dr. Howard-Browne's arrest, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office released 164 inmates from county jail to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet, the subsequent arrest of one of those released inmates on separate charges has added additional scrutiny to Chronister’s decisions. The inmate, Joseph Edwards Williams, faced serious charges including second-degree murder shortly after his release, complicatively leading Chronister to call for stringent legal repercussions.
Despite the mixed reviews on his nomination, Chad Chronister has publicly expressed his gratitude for Trump’s nomination and his deep humility at being considered for the role. Yet, the spotlight now weighs heavily on him as more members of the GOP, along with contrasting voices from across the political spectrum, weigh the ramifications of his past decisions against the responsibilities of leading the DEA.
With the nomination process assembly quite wordy and politically charged, this situation will likely evolve as more officials and constituents weigh their positions, echoing the larger national dialogue on public health, accountability, and law enforcement practices during crises.
