President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister as the next DEA administrator. Trump praised Chronister’s 32-year career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, citing his leadership in areas such as security, human trafficking, and public safety. However, Chronister’s 2020 arrest of Tampa pastor Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne for violating COVID-19 restrictions has sparked criticism from conservatives.
Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Chronister said, “I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve our nation.” Trump emphasized that Chronister would work closely with Bondi to secure the southern border, combat fentanyl trafficking, and save lives.
Chronister, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, has also served on various state and regional councils. He was first appointed sheriff in 2017 by then-Governor Rick Scott.
Chronister’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn both praise and criticism. At the time of Howard-Browne’s arrest, Chronister defended the decision, stating the pastor’s “reckless disregard for human life put hundreds of people in his congregation at risk and thousands of residents who may interact with them in danger.”
Despite the controversy, Howard-Browne had endorsed Chronister’s nomination, calling him a friend.
Reflecting on the incident, Howard-Browne said, “Yes, I did get arrested during COVID, but we’ve always been friends and remain friends today.”
Chronister expressed pride in dropping the charges, saying, “It certainly was a very happy day when I was able to call the state attorney and say, ‘drop those charges.’”
