Just three days after his announcement, Trump's DEA pick withdraws

Chad Chronister, who was nominated Saturday, Nov. 30, to be at the helm of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), withdrew his name from consideration. The Hillsborough County sheriff confirmed the news on his social networks, where he assured that he still has "more work to do" in his current position.

"Having been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as DEA administrator is the honor of a lifetime," he wrote on his X account.

"In recent days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility became more apparent, I came to the conclusion that I should respectfully withdraw from consideration. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and many initiatives that I am committed to pursuing. I sincerely appreciate the nomination and the great support of the American people, and I look forward to continuing my service as Hillsborough County Sheriff," he added.

In his announcement last Saturday, Nov. 30, Trump noted that Chronister was to work alongside Pam Bondi to "secure the Border, stop the flow of fentanyl, and other illegal drugs, across the southern border, and save lives."

The DEA is tasked with combating drug trafficking and anyone involved in the cultivation, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances in the country. The director's position requires Senate approval.

The Hillsborough sheriff was grateful at the time for the nomination, making it clear that serving in the second Trump administration would be "the honor of a lifetime."

As for his background, Chronister was initially appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott to be at the helm of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, following the unexpected retirement of David Gee. He has been re-elected twice since then.

In turn, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the Florida State Drug Policy Advisory Council.

He is married to Nicole 'Nikki' DeBartolo, daughter of Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., vice chairman of one of Tampa's most influential philanthropic organizations. Trump pardoned DeBartolo Jr. in 2020, who had been convicted years earlier on racketeering, conspiracy and extortion charges.

A son  of Chad Chronister, George, was sentenced in 2017 to 22 months in prison and three years probation for stabbing a man in the face. George Chronister himself confessed to the crime and he had even wrote a song about it.

This is the second Trump nominee to withdraw from consideration for their nominated post. The first was Matt Gaetz, who was the first choice for attorney general but also decided to step aside.